Too Darn Hot Adds Further Distinction

In a performance that underlined her rare consistency, Fallen Angel became part of an elite group of fillies to capture Group 1 victories at two, three and four, digging deep to land the Prix Rothschild under a determined Danny Tudhope. The grey daughter of Too Darn Hot had to withstand the twin challenges of Aidan O’Brien’s Exactly and January inside the final furlongs, but each time she was headed, she found another gear to reassert her authority in the closing strides. Fallen Angel, purchased by Wathnan Racing from Steve Parkin’s Clipper Logistics last autumn, was adding another top-level success in open company to the Irish 1,000 Guineas she claimed last year and her Moyglare Stud Stakes triumph as a juvenile in 2023. For Tudhope, the win was personal. “It’s quite emotional to be honest because this filly means a lot to me. I’ve won a Group 1 on her at two and I won the Irish 1,000 Guineas last year,” he said. Called back into the saddle after retained rider James Doyle chose Royal Ascot winner Crimson Advocate, Tudhope added: “She got sold to Wathnan Racing and to get back on her is amazing. I have to thank Wathnan and the team so much for letting me ride her again.” Tudhope admitted he never doubted her resolve when January loomed late. “She’s a good filly and the ground was probably too quick for her last time. It was probably quick enough today, but she showed her class and she’s a multiple Group 1 winner now. It takes a good one to get past her.” Trainer Karl Burke, who has forged a strong alliance with Wathnan after delivering Norfolk and Queen Mary victories at Royal Ascot this season, was equally effusive. “I’m absolutely delighted to have a Group 1 winner for Wathnan. They’ve been huge supporters and long may it continue. I’m delighted for Danny as well. I was a little surprised James went the way he did. I know Crimson Advocate beat us at Ascot, but we needed that better ground and the cheekpieces made a bit of difference.” Burke revealed her work had sharpened notably since Ascot, hinting at renewed confidence. “Her work has taken a step forward over the last two weeks. I wouldn’t say we were confident but we were bullish going there. She doesn’t want any firmness in it like she had at Ascot where, coming round the bend, her head just came up a bit. She’s such an honest, game filly and she was battling back in the last 100 yards then, as she did today. What I’m really pleased about is that she’s emulated Laurens in winning a Group 1 at two, three and four.” With Burke’s record at Deauville now including Odeliz, Unfortunately and Laurens, Fallen Angel’s next likely assignment will be the Matron Stakes, though the Prix Jean Romanet remains an option.