23 September 2023
Photo scoopdyga.com
Saturday, 23 September 2023, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). – The overwhelming favourite for his return to competition over 2m7f in the €150,000 The Fellow – Marquise de Moratalla 4yo Chase (Gr3), Juntos Ganamos (Martaline) was undefeated in four attempts over fences. Despite being under pressure from all sides since the start and displaying courage, he was carried away by his momentum at the landing of the sencond last jump, the Double Barrière, followed by Speed Emile (Estejo), trailing him and falling in the same fashion.
For Goliath du Rheu (Castle du Berlais), the opportunity seemed too good to miss, as he had been regularly bested by the favourite without ever losing face. However, he hadn't counted on the comeback of Okkido (Martaline). Having been delayed by a usual blunder in the Auteuil bend, this representative of Haras de Montaigu, Écurie Patrick Joubert, Écurie Pierre Julienne, Haras de Saint-Voir, Haras des Coudraies (his breeder), Jamonières élevage du Cellier, Jean-Louis Guérin, Jean-Marie Callier, and Winning Bloodstock Agency, took a long bre-ather and caught up with Goliath du Rheu, who conceded 3.5 lengths in the run-in, seven lengths ahead of a pleasing Le Philosophe (Doctor Dino), the opportunist.
This was a first win for Okkido, who had already been placed twice at the Group level at Auteuil, notably when he finished second to Goliath du Rheu in the Jean Stern 4yo Chase (Gr2) in April.
Okkido is the fifth foal out of Kotkieglote (Poliglote), a winner over fences in the Morgex 4yo Chase (Gr3). Her third dam is Kotkie (Rheffic), the dam of steeplechasing greats Katko and Kotkijet, mentionned in the pedigrees of many Auteuil champion under the colours of their breeder, Pierre de Montesson.
A City Light filly out of Kotkieglote was born in 2022, followed by a Cloth of Stars colt.