21 May 2022
Photo scoopdyga.com
May 21, 2022, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). - A fast pace set by real contenders led 5-year-old AQPS-halfbred Hermès Baie (Crillon) to an impressive victory in the 144th running of the €350,000 Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (French Champion Hurdle, Gr1). It was one of the very few Auteuil classics still missing from the Papot Family's cupboard. Second-placed at 7 lengths, Irish raider Klassical Dream (Dream Well), long-held in midfield by Paul Townend, ran on in the end, beating a brave titleholder L’Autonomie (Blue Brésil), who had lost some ground going for the stands' rail as usual after the final bend. She, however, found a second breath to catch home the 5-year-old Thélème (Sidestep), who had just beaten her in the Léon Rambaud Hurdle race (Gr2). That day already, Hermès Baie had beaten his two main French rivals. Only a newcomer, Klassical Dream, was able to stir his way into that great foursome.
Trained by François Nicolle, and ridden by Bertrand Lestrade, Hermès Baie was bred by André-Jean Belloir near Mont-Saint-Michel. The winning dam Ludmika (Murmure), had a short but lively racing career with Yannick Fertillet with three outings over the flat for two wins and a third place. She became a great broodmare at stud with seven foals by the only Crillon, including Hermès Baie, the best by a long way of the family with Dress Baie (Crillon), a winner of four races. Hermès Baie's full brother, named I Love My Baie (now 4), was sold for £80,000 at Goffs in Doncaster last May. Exported to Ireland and trained there by Colin Bowe, he won for his debut at Perth, by 2.5 lengths.
The dam Ludmika has had three other foals. Two fillies by Tiger Groom and a yearling colt by Puit d’Or. She was expected to give birth to a Nom de D’La foal in 2022.