Aquarelliste Remains Undefeated With French Oaks Win

Daniel Wildenstein's Aquarelliste maintained her unblemished career record Sunday at Chantilly, utilizing a wide rally to win the Prix de Diane Hermes--French Oaks (Fr-I) by 1 1/2 lengths over Nadia. The 3-year-old daughter of Danehill completed the 1 5/16 miles in 2:09.50 on good turf.

Unraced as a juvenile, Aquarelliste made a successful racing debut at Longchamp in April and proceeded to win the Prix Melisande in her next start. The French Oaks was her third career start for the filly out of Agathe, by Manila. Agathe was a runner-up in the 1994 French One Thousand Guineas (Fr-I) and finished third in the French Oaks. Aquarelliste was bred in France by Allez France Stable.

Winning trainer Elie Lellouche began conditioning Aquarelliste following her maiden victory as Wildenstein removed his horses from trainer Andre Fabre.

"This is an extremely talented filly and I am very honored to train her and win my first Prix de Diane. I have to be grateful to Mr. Wildenstein," Lellouche told the French Racing and Breeding Committee. "She had three races in five weeks and she deserves a break."

Dominique Boeuf was in the irons for the win.

Prix Saint-Alary (Fr-I) winner Nadia finished 3/4 lengths ahead of third-place Time Away. Spring Oak was fourth in the 12-horse field.