4 November 2019
Photo scoopdyga.com
The duel between the double winner Bipolaire (Fragrant Mix) and the winner of the Zeturf Grand Steeple-Chase of Paris Carriacou (Califet) in the Prix La Haye Jousselin Chase (Gr1), the "Autumn Gold Cup", did happen.
Led by the challenger Dalahast (Ballingarry), the 27.5 furlongs chase really took off when this leader unseated his rider at the rail-ditch-and-fence, about a mpile from home. With Poly Grandchamp (Poliglote) still in the lead, Bipolaire had to make his move as Davy Russel was keeping Carriacou quite in his trail. He tried to follow the favourite as they went into the final bend but on a very heavy track, he couldn't quite keep up and finally had to settle for third place. However, Bipolaire still had to fend off a young rival, Ebonite (Khalkevi), a 5-year-old mare trained by Emmanuel Clayeux for the Cyprès family, also the breeder of the mare ... and joined breeders of Bipolaire!
The older grey finally prevailed, and he won for the third time with more than five lengths to spare.
Bipolaire is now at the same level as Milord Thomas, the last other triple winner of this Autumn classic, who has only been retired.
Bipolaire's family is one of the most prestigious of the French jumoing bloodlines in general. His dam Kenna (Épervier Bleu)'s second dalm is Palencia (Taj Dewan), winner of ten races, dam of the good Moncadou (Cadoudal) and herself sister of an Auteuil great, Ucello II, whose dam was also a full sister to King George winner Nupsala ...