"I think he’s capable of winning a Group One" - French Derby post-race quotes

“First of all, I want to thank everyone who looks after these horses and makes results like this possible. So much work goes into achieving something like this. Ryan Moore gave him an incredible ride.

I knew my three jockeys would talk before the race. They all had a very clear idea of what might happen, but once they’re out there, they have to make their own decisions depending on how the race unfolds.

Ryan had a terrible draw. We thought it would be very difficult because he’s still a baby, still learning. He went to Chester and won very easily, but today was always going to be a completely different scenario on fast ground from such an outside stall.

We had eight very good colts and needed to split them between here and Epsom. It made sense for these three to come here and the other four to go to Epsom. We’re simply very grateful, privileged and delighted for everyone involved.

Constitution River is a big horse and we’ll probably take our time with him. Today was a tough race. He could have a little summer break and come back in the autumn for an Arc trial or something similar. If he comes out of the race particularly well, the Eclipse Stakes are not impossible.

As for Hawk Mountain, Christophe felt that a pair of blinkers would help him. All three horses had been working well and we hoped they would run big races.”

“Ten years ago, on this very track, our horses finished first, second and third in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. It’s incredible how quickly time passes.

To be honest, during the race I was only watching Constitution River and I didn’t even realize we were second, third and fourth. I just kept thinking, ‘My God, he’s in a fantastic position,’ and it was tremendously exciting.”

“I simply rode the race as it developed. What I knew was that I was riding a very good horse. He makes life easy for you—he does everything effortlessly. He has plenty of speed, he stays well and he has an excellent temperament. When a horse is that straightforward, the draw becomes less important than it otherwise might have been.

He was a little keener than usual today. It was probably the first time in his life that he really took hold of the bit. The pace was genuine and I think every horse had its chance.

The first three were all close to the pace, but the fourth and fifth came from the back of the field.

I think Constitution River could come back to a mile, and I also think he’ll stay a mile and a half, despite all the speed he possesses.”

“I want to offer my warmest congratulations to Pierre Talvard. He has supported us for many years and is a good friend. Congratulations as well to his team and everyone at Arqana. It’s wonderful to be able to come to France and buy horses like this at Arqana.”

“I’m very pleased with him. It’s a difficult track when you’ve drawn badly. Maxime did exactly what he needed to do and gave the horse every chance.

We didn’t have the smoothest passage, but he produced a huge performance and I’m really delighted. I genuinely think he’s capable of winning a Group One. He’s a top-class horse and I believe he’ll continue to improve with age.

I’ll give him a little time, make sure he’s well and has recovered from his effort, but we could look at the Eclipse Stakes or something similar. Yes, I think he’s a very good horse.”

“Alam had a very difficult draw in stall 16. He doesn’t yet have the experience to force the issue leaving the gates, but he finished very strongly.

Dolmalan did not break particularly well, according to his jockey Clément Lecœuvre. He had to use up energy to hold his position, which cost him late on, but he ran well too.