THE environs of Chantilly were buzzing with anticipation last Sunday as the crowds flocked to the race track for the running of the classic Prix de Diane, and for some young international riders it was an extra special day.

The prestigious Prix Longines Future Racing Stars, a race that brings together apprentices from the top racing schools in 10 countries, was being run for the fourth time and the Irish representative was Donagh O’Connor, a Wexford man and recent RACE graduate now based with trainer Johnny Levins on the Curragh. He rode a good race to finish third behind the winning German jockey Tommaso Scardino and French apprentice Pierre Bazire and came home with a bag full of prizes and mementoes.