Blue Bolt secured a narrow victory over stable rival Precise to claim the Prix Rothschild at Deauville, marking her second top-level win against the four-time Group One winner this season. The Juddmonte-owned mare, ridden by Colin Keane, edged past Precise by half a length after the two contenders battled closely in the final furlong.

Precise, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, briefly took the lead a furlong from the finish but was unable to hold off Blue Bolt’s late surge along the stands’ rail. The race concluded with an international 1-2-3-4 finish, as Moon Target, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, finished third, and Evolutionist, prepared by Karl Burke, came fourth.

Trainer Andrew Balding praised Blue Bolt’s determination and strength, highlighting her competitive spirit as a defining trait. “She’s got great desire,” Balding said, suggesting the four-year-old daughter of Blue Point thrives on channeling her power effectively during races. Balding indicated that Blue Bolt is likely to target the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in late September as her next engagement.

Juddmonte’s first-choice jockey Colin Keane echoed his trainer’s assessment, noting the mare’s willingness to fight for victory despite occasionally drifting left during the race. “She ‘gutsed’ it out. She has a big will to win,” Keane commented, acknowledging the rail’s assistance in keeping her on course.

Balding also revealed plans for another Juddmonte runner, Kalpana, who won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes earlier this year. Kalpana is expected to make her next start at York, possibly in the Yorkshire Oaks, scheduled in just over two weeks’ time.