Senga wins as British hopes fade

Rhododendron reportedly bled from the nose and was pulled up in the Prix de Diane as Senga won a rough renewal of the Chantilly Classic.

Aidan O’Brien’s filly found only stablemate Winter too strong in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket at the start of last month and was then outstayed by the John Gosden-trained Enable in the Oaks at Epsom a little over a fortnight ago.

Rhododendron appeared to be well positioned in the middle of the pack at the halfway stage of the French Oaks, but was pulled up quickly by Ryan Moore, who dismounted before the home turn.

Gosden’s Shutter Speed brought an unbeaten record and strong form to the table, having beaten stablemate Enable at Newbury before landing the Musidora Stakes at York.

Frankie Dettori managed to navigate his mount across from her wide draw and she looked to be delivering a strong challenge in the straight.

However, she had no answer when Pascal Bary’s Senga found top gear in the hands of Stephane Pasquier and ended up finishing fourth.