Information provided by Great British Racing International

Leading European trainer Marco Botti, who is based at Newmarket in England, has a busy weekend ahead. At Keeneland on Saturday, his multiple Group 3 winner Great Generation (IRE) lines up in the $800,000 First Lady (G1) in her North American debut to become his first starter at the track. On Sunday, Botti’s Group 1 winner Giavellotto is to run in the prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp in Paris, France.

Botti spoke to Great British Racing International (GBRI) about Great Generation.

“She’s been training very well at home,” Botti said. “She traveled on Wednesday and is settling fine. The race looks strong — as you would expect for a Grade 1 — and it is the first time she will run over the mile, but with two bends we hope she will go well. She has a good turn of foot and likes fast ground, so we are hopeful.

“Those international races are very important for us and for the owners as it gives them the opportunity to travel with their horses, and we have been fairly successful,” Botti added. “Our owners are usually keen to take those opportunities, and so we are always looking for the right horses to go abroad.”

Great Generation, a 4-year-old filly by the Danehill stallion Holy Roman Emperor, was purchased privately by prominent South African owner-breeder Mrs. Gaynor Rupert in December 2024. Rupert, who owns leading South African farm Drakenstein Stud, also has set up a breeding farm in Britain at Cayton Park Stud. 

Lucie Botti, an integral part of her husband’s training operation, is with the filly at Keeneland. 

“She settled in beautifully here at Keeneland and has shown her usual professionalism in everything we have asked of her,” Lucie Botti said. “Over the years we’ve been fortunate to enjoy success in the U.S with Grade 1 wins and several consistent black-type performances. To bring a filly of her quality here is very exciting.”

Julien Leparoux will ride Great Generation in the First Lady, starting from post 11 in the field of 12.