'I couldn't see her being beaten' - Twomey celebrates first Group 1 with Coco

Sunday: Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes, Curragh

The share price of Paddy Twomey soared even higher at the Curragh as the trainer, who is operating at a 35 per cent strike-rate this season, celebrated a first Group 1 win thanks to La Petite Coco.

Not only that, but the feat was achieved on the back of a 287-day absence as La Petite Coco had not been seen since breaking the heart of Love in the Blandford Stakes during Irish Champions Weekend last September.

The icing on the cake would have been La Petite Coco's supplemented stablemate Rosscarbery finishing third, but she was subsequently disqualified after Wayne Lordan weighed in 5lb light. The decision incensed Twomey, who said he will be appealing against the outcome.

That controversy should not stain the biggest moment of Twomey's career, a career very much on an upward trajectory, and one which could reach its highest level in Paris in October with the Arc on the agenda for La Petite Coco.

The four-year-old dug deep to repel favourite My Astra, one of three British raiders, by half a length, with 40-1 outsider Thunder Kiss promoted to third from fourth.

Twomey said: "I couldn't see her being beaten coming here, given the level she showed last year. I didn't enter her in the Arc for fun. I think she's top-class.

"We decided to start her campaign in the middle of the year with a view to the second half. She didn't have a run beforehand, but I don't think that matters with her."

On future targets, he added: "The Yorkshire Oaks is something we'd consider, the fillies' and mares' race at Ascot as well, and the Arc, Breeders' Cup and maybe even Hong Kong. That's the sort of line-up, but we were keen to start at home. We didn't want to travel for her first run."

Billy Lee gives La Petite Coco a celebratory pat after the Pretty Polly as Paddy Twomey and groom Anna Barlow look onCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Barry Irwin, of owners Team Valor, heaped praise on Twomey, saying: "Paddy is a fantastic trainer. When we bought this filly we sent her directly to him. We had good hopes, but we didn't know she was this good.

"I thought if she was as good as Paddy thinks, we could win it, but I can't believe she hung in there like she did. She was on fumes. She's a gutsy horse.

"I've backed off of racing in the US. I'm not happy with it there. I think it will get better, but we've had some issues with guys taking an edge. I have a lot more faith in what's going on here, and it's much more fun."

For winning rider Billy Lee, the fairytale season continues and this was the best chapter yet – a third Group 1 win following the victories of Romanised in the 2019 Prix Jacques le Marois and Fiesolana in the 2014 Matron Stakes.

He completed a double in a later maiden on newcomer Self Belief and leads the jockeys’ championship by four from defending champion Colin Keane.

La Petite Coco was trimmed in price for the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood at the end of July and the Yorkshire Oaks in August, but wherever she heads next it will be fascinating to follow her progress for the remainder of the season.

Alwasmiyah Stud Pretty Polly Stakes full result and replay

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