Maisons-Laffitte Hurdle race: The top 4yo hurdlers start over

Saturday at Auteuil, the Prix de Maisons-Laffitte Hurdle Race (Gr3) marks the opening of the hurdling season for the best 4yos in the country. Last Spring, Feu Follet won their championship, the Prix Alain du Breil Hurdle race (Gr1), beating Polirico (Cokorico), who went on to get beaten again in the Prix Questarabad Hurdle Race  (Gr3) behind L’Autonomie (Blue Brésil). These two meet again and both are still trained by François Nicolle. It is also their first race since the Summer.

The two first leaders of the generation are out: Beaumec de Houelle is now at stud, while Feu Follet has been switched to chasing. Seven other runners are in the race on Saturday, and most of them are having their toe in such hot waters for the first time.

It is an important appointment as we will be able to assess the generation and what's to be expected until the end of the season. Next is the Prix Pierre de Lassus Hurdle race (Gr3), on Oct. 19. Then it will be the Autumn championship in the Prix Renaud du Vivier Hurle race(Gr1), on Nov. 10. The best ones will still be eligible to run against their elders in the Prix Léopold d’Orsetti (Gr3) Hurdle Race at Compiègne on Nov. 22, and the fillies still have the Prix André Michel (Gr3) Hurdle race against the mares, two days later at Auteuil.