22 May 2022
Photo scoopdyga.com
May 22, 2022, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). - It was a sixth win in the Ferdinand Dufaure 4-year-old Chase (Gr1) for trainer Guillaume Macaire after Parika, Storm of Saintly, Punch Nantais, Whetstone and Goliath du Berlais. For his younger partner, Hector de Lageneste, a second Gr1 a few minutes after Sel Jem's Grand Steeple. Owners Gianni Caggiula et Guillaume Luyckx (in partnership with Gilles Barbarin, they leased the filly from the breeder) and rider Baptiste Le Clerc (jockey) had never won a Gr1 before. And this is all down to Altesse du Berlais (Martaline), who is still unbeaten over the bigger obstacles.
After travelling behind the leaders, she took over before the last jump. Despite a slight mistake there, she ran off to a 4-lengths victory over Impressive (Kapgarde), who finished well, and the front runner Iceo Madrik (Choeur du Nord), who fought well.
Fifth in the Chambly 3yo Fillies Hurdle race (Gr3) last year, Altesse du Berlais was geared into chasing this term, slowly climbing the ladder to the top without calling at any of the usual prep races for this championship.
By the great jumps sire Martaline, Altesse du Berlais was bred by Jean-Marc Lucas (Haras du Berlais) and Ballantines Racing Stud (Joseph Hayoz), also involved in her dam Hermine du Berlais (Saint des Saints), who won at Auteuil, and was placed in Group races. At stud, she first gave Colbert du Berlais (Poliglote), a dual Listed-winner at Auteuil. After Altesse du Berlais came Etoile du Berlais, now 3, and Mazarin du Berlais, born in 2020, both being by Great Pretender and in training with Robert Collet. Hermine is out of the champion Royal Athénia (Garde Royale), winner of the Renaud du Vivier 4yo Hurdle race (Gr1).