In 2021 the French Guineas returned to ParisLongchamp on Sunday 16 May and featured two formidable Irish raiders. Poetic Flare came here off a Newmarket 2000 Guineas win just two weeks back, whilst Aidan O’Brien’s St Mark’s Basilica made his three-year-old reappearance in the race, having been crowned champion juvenile of Europe last year with an official rating of 120.

In a messy race, St Mark’s Basilica steered wide under substitute pilot Ioritz Mendizibal and burst clear to score decisively by just under 2 lengths. Colosseo, available at 100/1 just moments before the race, appreciated the soft conditions and a prime draw to hold onto second place.

Breizh Eagle stayed on for third from a poor draw. The Breton Bullet lost his unbeaten record in the process but confirmed himself as a top-class miler.

2021 French 2000 Guineas Result

  1. St Mark’s Basilica 9/4
  2. Colosseo 80/1
  3. Brezih Eagle 25/1

St Mark’s Basilica is now expected to turn up in the Prix du Jockey Club, for which he is the 9/4 market leader with Paddy Power, but he could remain at the mile trip for Royal Ascot.