Tribalist not for stopping in G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp

Tribalist put up a superb front-running display to defeat a top-class field and register a first G1 victory in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on Sunday, 8 September. 

The Longchamp highlight had been billed as a clash between top milers Notable Speech and Charyn, although the Andre Fabre-trained Tribalist had already proven himself a highly talented performer with five Group wins on soft or slower. 

After breaking on terms from his wide draw, Tribalist was sent to the front by Mickael Barzalona after a furlong and soon established a four-length advantage over Caramelito, with a similar margin back to the rest of the field. 

Tribalist continued to enjoy himself in front and appeared to have all six rivals in trouble as the son of Farhh kicked for home two furlongs out. Queen Anne Stakes and Jacques Le Marois winner Charyn made late inroads but never looked likely to reach Tribalist, who held on well to cross the line a length and a quarter in front. 

Notable Speech, who was aiming to add to his victories in this season’s 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes, kept on from the rear to finish fifth on his first run on soft ground. 

Andre Fabre said: “It’s a fantastic performance from Tribalist, who is a good horse. Mickael couldn’t do anything else but let him go. There is no other option now apart from the Prix de la Foret and we will look at the Breeders’ Cup afterwards.” 

Louise Benard of Godolphin added: “We are delighted with Tribalist. We know that he is a tough horse and a mile is his best distance. We were hoping for some rain in the build-up and we are lucky to have such a good jockey on board who knows the horse by heart.

“The combination of trainer and jockey allowed Tribalist to produce his best. Going forward was the best idea and it worked. Mickael managed to get a breather into Tribalist after he had done most of the work and it was a great effort.”

Notable Speech’s trainer Charlie Appleby said: “It’s obviously a little disappointing when you are beaten, but the ground was probably the main contributor today. Full credit to the winner and it’s great to see a son of Farhh go and win a G1 like that. 

“The ground was too testing for Notable Speech, and we were beaten a long way out. William [Buick] felt he was never comfortable and we will now head to the Breeders’ Cup Mile.”