17 March 2024
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday, March 17, 2024, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris) – Having finished second five times at 3 in as many hurdle races, all at Auteuil, Léon du Berlais (Authorized) lined up for the €135,000 Prix d'Indy 4yo Hurdle Race (Gr3) as the favourite, in the absence of his last season's conquerors.
Owned by Écurie Hub de Montmirail and his breeder, Jean-Marc Lucas' Haras du Berlais, Léon du Berlais first travelled wide outside the early leaders, Losange Vert Bleu (Night Wish) and Game of Storm (Motivator), both prominent this winter at Pau. In the final phase, however, he proved himself far above the field. Losange Vert Bleu, who had to settle for 4th place in the Camille Duboscq 4yo Hurdle Race (L) at the end of the Pau meeting, finished a very pleasing 2nd less than six lengths behind, and a good length ahead of Bon Garçon (Masterstroke), always well-placed.
The beginner Kloth of Utopia (Cloth of Stars), a half-brother to the top hurdler Thélème, finished 4th after following the field under the colours of Irish owner J P McManus for trainers Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm.
Léon du Berlais can also boast an impeccable pedigree. His dam Chica du Berlais (Cadoudal), 5th in the Finot des Pouliches 3yo Fillies Hurdle Race (L) for her only race but entered several times early in the next season, is also dam of the star Bonito du Berlais (King’s Theatre) and Nikita du Berlais (Poliglote), a Gr2 winner at Auteuil.
Léon du Berlais is her thirteenth and last foal.