by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Roxane Griff, a 9-year-old French mare, came from behind to win the Prix de Cornulier, the world’s richest under saddle race with a purse for the winner of $425,000.

Gerard Forni photo

Roxane Griff came from behind to win the Prix de Cornulier.

Roxane Griff, who was ridden by 32-year-old Eric Raffin, won the 1-11/16th mile event in 1:56.2 (mile rate) with the favorite, Tiego d’Etant with Charles Bigeon up, two lengths behind.

Sebastien Guarato trains Roxane Griff and this was his first winner in the race, while Raffin won in 2003, riding Joyau d’Amour.

Roxane Griff had a banner year in 2012, when she finished second in the Prix d’Amerique behind Ready Cash and later went on to win the French marathon, Prix de Paris, over the 4,150 meter distance.

Roxane Griff is a chestnut, just like her sire, Tenor de Baune, and she is by far his best offspring.

After the big win Sunday afternoon, Roxane Griff is one of four French mares who has won more than two million Euros ($2.7 million) in their career.

Roxane Griff is entered in the upcoming Prix d’Amerique next Sunday. The entry box closed Monday morning with 26 horses entered. On Thursday at 12 noon the definitive start list for the race will be known.