In a stunning turn of events at ParisLongchamp on September 7, 2025, Christophe Ferland’s filly Aventure emerged as a true masterpiece, clinching her first Group 1 victory in the Qatar Prix Vermeille. The race, a critical trial for the upcoming Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, saw Aventure outshine a competitive field, while the heavily favored Whirl, trained by Aidan O’Brien, delivered a shocking last-place finish. Ferland, beaming with pride, hailed Aventure’s performance as a defining moment, while his comments on Whirl’s unexpected collapse sparked intrigue and speculation across the racing world.

Aventure, a four-year-old daughter of Sea The Stars, had been knocking on the door of Group 1 glory for some time. Last year, she finished second to Bluestocking in both the Vermeille and the Arc, proving her mettle but falling short of the ultimate prize. This season, despite strong performances, including a runner-up finish to Calandagan in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, Aventure had yet to secure that elusive top-tier win. Her connections, including Ferland and jockey Maxime Guyon, made the strategic decision to skip the Prix Jean Romanet and focus on the Vermeille, a move that paid dividends. “Everything was looking good for Sunday,” Ferland had said before the race, noting Guyon’s confidence after a Tuesday morning workout. “Aventure is in great form.”

On race day, Aventure was positioned perfectly by Guyon, tracking the pace set by Whirl and Christophe Soumillon. The race dynamics shifted dramatically mid-race when Whirl, who had been kept wide early, surged to the front. The dual Group 1 winner, fresh off victories in the Pretty Polly and Nassau Stakes, was expected to dominate and solidify her Arc credentials. However, as the field turned for home, Whirl faded dramatically, leaving observers stunned. Aventure, in contrast, seized the moment. With a powerful acceleration in the straight, she cruised past her rivals, including the Prix de Diane winner Gezora, to win by a commanding length and a half. The victory propelled Aventure to 4-1 Arc favoritism, either sharing the top spot with Minnie Hauk or leading outright in some betting markets.

Ferland’s post-race comments were filled with relief and optimism. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, he said, “She won very well. We didn’t know about the Irish fillies, but she did very well today. Maxime was very confident, and when she came out in the straight, she accelerated well.” He emphasized that Aventure’s mission this season was to secure a Group 1 win, a goal now achieved. Looking ahead to the Arc, Ferland added, “She will be better in four weeks’ time. She’s coming along now, and I don’t think she enjoys herself before June or July. She’s better at this time of year.” He also noted her versatility, suggesting that whether the Arc ground is good or heavy, Aventure’s big heart and calm demeanor make her a formidable contender.

The shock of Whirl’s last-place finish dominated post-race discussions. The filly, who had been backed down to 1.5-1 odds, struggled after Soumillon’s bold mid-race move to take the lead. Her lackluster performance raised questions about the strength of her prior form, particularly as Kalpana, whom she had beaten in the Pretty Polly, also underperformed recently. Ferland, while diplomatic, acknowledged Whirl’s unexpected collapse, suggesting that something may have gone amiss. “It’s surprising to see a filly like Whirl finish last,” he remarked, “but racing is unpredictable, and today was Aventure’s day.” Some speculated that Whirl’s exertions early in the race or the ground conditions may have contributed, but no definitive explanation emerged immediately.

For Aventure’s connections, including the Wertheimer brothers and racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau, the Vermeille triumph was a moment of vindication. Bureau noted that keeping Aventure in training at four was specifically to achieve a Group 1 win, a target met with flair. As the Arc looms, Aventure’s camp exudes confidence, with Ferland describing her as “the perfect filly to train” due to her composure and resilience. Meanwhile, Whirl’s team faces a tough decision about her Arc participation, with the Prix de l’Opera now a possible alternative. The Vermeille has reshaped the Arc landscape, and Aventure stands tall as a masterpiece ready to shine.