Avonbridge Keeps Abbaye All in the Family

There was much more to the results of the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Majestic Barriere (Fr-I) than what the tote board stated after the race finished.

Avonbridge finally broke through for his first group I success. His older ½-brother, Patavellian, won this race in 2003, and finished fifth in Sunday's running.

Trainer Roger Charlton accomplished a remarkable feat, training both the winner and second-place finisher, Striking Ambition. He also trains Patavellian. The trainer then had to suffer through an inquiry in which the stewards discussed disqualifying both Avonbridge and Striking Ambition for interference. To say he was a bit relieved when he heard "...Le resultat est maintenu", which roughly translates to "...the places remain unaltered" over the public address system may have been an understatement.

Avonbridge, a son of Averti, will now be retired to stud.

Striking Ambition, Patavellian, and Fire Up the Band, who was third, will remain in training in 2006.