Barnavara hits high note with Opera success

Barnavara held off all challengers to claim the Prix de l’Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp for Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley.

The Calyx filly was one of several Irish hopes in the Group One, which attracted a field of 12 and for which she was an 8-1 shot.

She ran a prominent race throughout and while her rivals rallied in the final furlong and ate away at her lead, she remained resolute to score by a short neck from See The Fire. One Look was a further short head back in third, with less than a length separating the first six home.

“This was always my main ride today, I was looking forward to this filly,” said Foley.

“She’s improved all year, she’s a very good filly and she showed that today. She wears her heart on her sleeve and does it the hard way.

“She’s only really just filling into her frame, she was that size as a two-year-old. She’s a big girl and she’s really maturing now, learning how to relax and race.”

Of Harrington, who is one of the most successful dual-purpose trainers ever and who received the all-clear last year after a cancer diagnosis in 2022, Foley added: “She’s an unbelievable lady.

“When you think of what she’s been through in the past few years, she’s fought it all off and won. What a lady.

“I’ve been part of the team for a long time now and we’ve had some tough times but these good days make up for them.”