Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget has continued his winning season with La Cressonniere claiming a brilliant victory in the French Oaks, the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.
Rouget has been the dominant force in the French Classics this season, with La Cressonniere having previously landed the French 1000 Guineas before Almanzor provided the trainer with his second French Derby at the start of this month.
Stepped up a mile and a quarter (2000m) for the first time, La Cressonniere was the 11-4 favourite in the hands of Cristian Demuro.
She showed off her superb acceleration in the straight to get up and beat Left Hand by half a length.
Rouget also won Friday’s Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot with Qemah.
“I have to admit, when I woke up this morning I didn’t think I was going to win the race simply because you wonder how long can it continue after the last two weeks,” Rouget said.
“I have always believed in unbeaten horses and if you look at this race, with the exception of last year, most of the winners have been unbeaten.
“I don’t want to say anything about where next, we’ll see how she is over the next few days.”
Rouget becomes the first trainer in history to complete the French Derby and Oaks double on two occasions.
He previously achieved the feat with Le Havre, La Cressonniere’s sire, and Stacelita in 2009.
