Flora Of Bermuda earns her Group 1 Merit

A first attempt stepping up to 6½f, as well as in top-class company, Flora deserved her opportunity on this €350,000 Group 1 stage. From just three previous starts in her three-year-old campaign, Flora had won the Gr.3 Summer Stakes on her previous start (over 6f), as well as finishing 2nd in the Listed Scurry Stakes (5f) and it was a chance to explore how she performs over the extra distance.

Having broke well under Oisin Murphy, Flora Of Bermuda (Dark Angel) travelled well on the Good-to-Soft ground. Luck in-running wasn’t completely on her side as she found herself in a pocket for most of the race, however within the final furlong a gap opened up, allowing Flora to push through the gears. A truly genuine filly, our three-year-old tried her heart out all the way to and beyond the line, finishing a head 4th at the post yet in the immediate strides beyond, she was already third. Credit to the winner Lazzat (Territories) who looks to be special, adding a fourth Stakes win to his form and remains unbeaten - however one can’t help but wonder if a gap had revealed itself sooner, whether Flora could have finished that bit closer. The appetite is already whet for more!

Not only did Flora deserve this opportunity, she absolutely relished it. Finishing the best of the British raiders (ahead of Gr.1 July Cup winner Mill Stream and Gr.1 Royal Ascot-winning sprinter Khaadem). She is currently at a career-high Official Rating of 106 and it will be interesting to see what she goes to following this Group 1 performance. One thing for certain, we will be looking at more Group 1 targets for this special filly.

Bermuda Racing’s Racing & Bloodstock Advisor Jake Warren reported to the Racing Post - “The Sprint Cup has got to be an option for her. We know how quickly the ground can turn at Haydock and she handles soft ground incredibly well. Then of course after that you’ve got Champions Day on soft ground over a stiff six.”

This is a huge achievement for Bermuda Racing. Simon Scupham has a sustainable ethos to breed from the horses that are purchased, as well as paying tribute to Bermuda through the naming of his horses within the operation. This all-important Group 1 performance is stamped on Flora Of Bermuda’s catalogue page, having a significant impact on the residual value of this high-class filly and along with her Group 3 win, absolutely secures her future as a broodmare. As much as we are thoroughly enjoying watching Flora in her career as a racehorse, it leaves us with excitement as to what she can go on to achieve as a broodmare in her second career.

A delighted Simon reflects on this memorable day:

“It was a magnificent day for Flora of Bermuda in Deauville on Sunday, finishing 4th in the prestigious Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest. In doing so she has gained black type at the top table of racing which is so important for her future broodmare career. This achieved at only 3 years of age and at her very first attempt.

“Despite not being in the greatest of positions during much of the race she finished so well hitting the line doing her best work. She was the first of the British-based runners having both the winners of the recent July Cup and QE II Jubilee Group 1 races behind her.

“We could not be prouder of our Flora just as Bermuda is of its very own Dame Flora Duffy, who showed what a remarkable athlete she is finishing an amazing 5th in defence of her Olympic crown in Paris. This was despite having to overcome what was almost a career ending injury and only being able to compete in a couple of races since 2022. What an achievement and what a career. We can only aspire to be as proud of Flora of Bermuda’s racing career when she eventually retires.

“Quite the week both for Dame Flora and her equine namesake in France!”