Mickael Barzalona delivered a masterful ride aboard the Andre Fabre-trained Tribalist, orchestrating a stunning upset in the Prix du Moulin at ParisLongchamp.
The race had been anticipated as a high-profile showdown featuring Charlie Appleby’s 2000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner Notable Speech and Roger Varian’s Charyn, who has been a strong contender at this distance this season.
Aidan O’Brien’s Henry Longfellow was also among the favourites, but none of the top contenders could make a significant impact. The five-year-old Tribalist gave Fabre a record-extending eighth victory in this prestigious Group One event.
Barzalona took immediate control from the start, pushing Tribalist—like Notable Speech, owned by Godolphin—forward and applying consistent pressure throughout the one-mile race. By the midway point, Tribalist had established a clear lead.
With 500 meters to go, competitors were showing signs of distress. While Charyn, ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, made a determined effort to secure second place, he couldn’t catch the front-runner, who crossed the finish line with a length and a quarter to spare.
Henry Longfellow finished third, and Notable Speech ended up fifth out of the seven runners.
Fabre remarked to Sky Sports Racing, "It was a brilliant front-running performance, but it was all down to Tribalist, not the trainer. He’s just very good. Mickael did everything right, and the others allowed him to lead."
When asked if Tribalist would next compete in the Prix de la Forêt, Fabre confirmed, "Absolutely, there’s no other option. He could then proceed to the Breeders’ Cup."