A New Chapter, the Same Heart
Purchased just weeks ago in a private deal by the Emir of Qatar’s powerhouse Wathnan Racing, Flora Of Bermuda, was backed by her new owners to shine on the Ascot stage and she did not disappoint.
In yet another heart-pounding Group 1 performance, the four-year-old daughter of Dark Angel once again proved her mettle at Royal Ascot. Trainer Andrew Balding kept her in top form following a narrow second in the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes in May, and despite her best efforts where yet again luck in-running did not go her way, the determined Flora did not back down and still managed to secure an electric third place in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Her efforts did not go unnoticed by Wathnan’s Racing Adviser Richard Brown who praised her consistency and courage: “With luck, one of these big ones will fall her way. She certainly won’t fail for lack of courage.”
Inside the final furlong, Flora surged past several rivals to secure best of the fillies in a field featuring the best international sprinters. Wathnan’s Lazzat came out on top in a thrilling duel with Japan’s top-class raider Satono Reve, with each taking gold and silver respectively. Flora finished a gallant third, just three lengths behind the runners-up and as Richard Brown highlighted; “She ran an absolute blinder… best of the rest.”
Flora will always carry Bermuda’s Pride and Bermuda Racing’s Simon Scupham was quick to share the pride of his old ally who yet again put in a huge performance on the world’s stage:
Though she now runs in new silks, Flora still carries the soul of Bermuda with her. Former owner Simon Scupham of Bermuda Racing - who guided her from early promise to Group-winning heights - reflected with admiration and affection on this filly:
“What another stunning performance by Flora despite not having the best of luck in the race. She surely has a Group 1 win in her destiny! It’s therefore with a mixture of happiness and sadness we wish her, Wathnan Racing and all that sail on HSV Flora… Bonne chance et bon voyage!”
Next stop for Flora appears to be the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket - another opportunity for this remarkable filly to stake her claim at the very top. She may race for new connections, but the heart of Bermuda beats strong in every stride.
Go Flora, go!
Catch the race replay below (donning her new silks, blue and gold with a gold cap in this race):
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