MARCIALIS MAKES HISTORY

JOCKEY Jessica Marcialis, a mother of one, became the first female French jockey to win a Group One when she took the Prix MarcelBoussac on Tiger Takana (pictured).

The two-year-old filly was bought out of a claimer on her first start by Marcialis’ partner and the trainer Charley Rossi. She won a two further claimers before graduating to Group company but she had heavy-ground form. Avoiding a lot of scrimmaging, she shot through a gap to beat Tasmania three-quarters of a length.

The Rossi family’s clearly an up-and-coming force in French racing because Charley’s uncle, Frederic, won the colt’s equivalent, the Jean-Luc Lagardere, with Sealiway. But it was Marcialis who was the story on Sunday because a Group One has been so long coming for a female rider in France.

“I want to say to all mums, we can do it – be strong,” said Marcialis, who is due to marry Charley Rossi. “We want a second baby but we might wait now [for Tiger Tanaka to contest next season’s Classics].

Marcialis, 30, was born in Italy where her family are involved in racing and her brother trains Arc runner Way To Paris. She started by riding as an amateur and was fegentri European champion in 2013. She worked her way up as a professional, although she took time out three years ago to have her son, Leo.

“It’s not possible, I must be dreaming,” she added. “I can’t speak, it’s incredible – I have made history. Everyone is here, my future husband, my family, my friends and I’m here riding a filly who has just won a Group One and who was bought out of a claimer. What’s going on? It’s the filly who has done all the work, I was just a passenger.”