By Tom Frary
Capping her career in style, Brightwalton Bloodstock's Makarova (GB) (Acclamation {GB}–Vesnina {GB}, by Sea The Stars {Ire}) signed off with a gallant success in Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines. Having shown how much she relishes a slow surface when taking the G3 Sandown Sprint Stakes in July, the Ed Walker-trained 5-year-old from an esteemed Cheveley Park family had put up an ideal prep when third behind Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) in last month's G1 Flying Five at The Curragh but still traded at an inflated and overly-generous 22-1 for this five-furlong test.
Chasing the pace under regular rider Tom Marquand, Jeff and Phoebe Hobby's homebred who had been sixth in this 12 months ago grafted her way past that rival inside the final furlong before asserting for a 1 1/4-length success from the 7-5 favourite. Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) was again second fiddle to the runner-up, a head behind this time in third. “That was the last run of her career and it's pretty special,” Walker said. “The rain came at the right time and it's a big day. She was hopeless at two, but has just got better and better and I'm delighted for the breeders–they put a lot into the game and it's a dream for them.”
Going out on a high! Makarova and @TomMarquand land the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines at @paris_longchamp for @edwalkerracing… pic.twitter.com/QPB9yCDbhh
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 6, 2024
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