1 March 2019
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday at Auteuil marks the beginning of the Parisian jumps season with two important events: the Prix Juigné Hurdle (Gr3) and the Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre Chase (Gr3). These two events open the way to the Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil (Gr1) on May 18th and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (Gr1) the next day Sunday May 19th.
Winner of his last four races, including the Grand Prix d'Automne Hurdle (Gr1), Galop Marin (Black Sam Bellamy) carries a penalty in the "Juigné". Trained by Dominique Bressou for the Papot family, he will be associated for the first time with James Reveley to replace Morgan Regairaz, still recovering from a fall in January in Pau.
They are nine at the start of the 4,400 meters-long (2m6f) Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre Chase (Gr3). Dominique Bressou also saddles the main attraction of the race, 10yo Milord Thomas (Kapgarde). Winner of one Grand Steeple and three editions of Prix La Haye Jousselin Chasde (Gr1), the Magalen Bryant-owned gelding ran ten times without being able to win since his third success in the "La Haye Jousselin". However, he went 7 times on the podium, twice at the top level, and he was doing well in the Prix Prix de Dufau Chase won by Forthing, this winter in Pau, when he was almost brought down as they were veering towards the last bend. His rider of the day, Morgan Regairaz, preferred to pull him up immediately after the incident. This return to Auteuil under favorable conditions, for the first time associated with Jonathan Plouganou, and in the absence of the chasing champions that are the title holder Saint Goustan Blue or Bipolaire can allow the veteran to find again the road to success .
Eight races are scheduled Sunday at Auteuil with a first start scheduled at 2pm and 35 minutes between each race, as is the rule now for the main meetings.