27 April 2024
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday, 21 April 2024, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris) – The inaugural running of the €235,000 Grand Steeple-Chase Masters Ingré (Gr2) as a Group 2 was not short of drama right from the pre-race setup. Indeed, one of the race's top contenders, Général en Chef (Martaline), was declared a non-runner following a recalled start.
The favourite, Sel Jem (Masked Marvel), winner of the 2022 Grand Steeple and third at his seasonal debut over hurdles at Compiègne, was pulled up before the end of the first circuit due to an injury.
The six-year-old gelding Toscana du Berlais (Shantou) took advantage of the situation to return to winning ways, finishing more than four lengths ahead of the five-year-old Amy du Kiff (Kapgarde). The pace-setter, In Love (Great Pretender), held on to third place ahead of Grand Oncle (Saddler Maker), who pressed him to the end.
Owned by Écurie Hub de Montmirail, his breeder Haras du Berlais, and Equi Flore, Toscana du Berlais was rebounding from a fall in the Grand Steeple-Chase Masters Troytown (Gr3) as he was trailing at the back. He had previously finished third in the Grand Steeple-Chase Masters Clermont-Tonnerre (Gr3).
This victory marks a significant step up for Toscana du Berlais from handicaps to group race success.
Purchased for €35,000 at the Arqana February sales in 2011 by Guy Petit, as a barren eight-year-old mare, the winner's dam Katioucha (Mansonnien) hailed from a distinguished family. Already the dam of Aubusson (Saint des Saints), a Group 1-placed and Group winner, she raced only six times and won her final race after achieving several placings. She also produced the Cambacérès 3yo Hurle Race (Gr1) winner Nirvana du Berlais (Martaline), now a sire.
Following Toscana du Berlais, Katioucha has given Montana du Berlais (Martaline), who has raced twice unsuccessfully, the four-year-old Verona du Berlais (Kapgarde), currently in training with Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, and a two-year-old colt by Nathaniel.
What They Said...
Gaëtan Masure (rider of Toscana du Berlais, 1st) - Training Centre of Royan-La Palmyre (17):
"I rode him to his strengths. After crossing the Stands' river jump, the other horses moved, and I thought: 'Great!' This allowed me to have leaders to head for the Rail ditch. I felt he was holding to his guns. He felt good. In the turn, I moved up, perhaps a bit early, as he can accelerate slowly. That's how he needs to be ridden. I'm pleasantly surprised and happy because this horse deserved to win a race like this. Everyone took great care of him this morning, his trainer Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé does a masterful job. Kudos to the entire team, and bravo to his morning rider! Sending my regards to everyone!"
Bertrand Le Métayer (racing manager for Écurie Hub de Montmirail, co-owner of Toscana du Berlais, 1st):
"Gaëtan [Masure, his rider] had good instincts. He was quite far back. He thought he could accelerate faster than the others. The horse has a real turn of speed. The ground didn't bother him. I hope Sel Jem, who had to be pulled up, is alright... Bravo to Arnaud [Chaillé-Chaillé, trainer of Toscana du Berlais]. This horse doesn't stand strong. He's handled by going to the pasture and being out more than the others. It's a masterstroke from the trainer to bring this horse to this level. Coming here, the Grand Steeple wasn't the plan, but his mentor must make arrangements now."
Gabriel Leenders (trainer of Amy du Kiff, 2nd, and Gardons le Sourire, 5th) - Jarzé Villages (49):
"Amy du Kiff needed to come back chasing. He exerted himself over some of the obstacles. The race came down to a sprint, which isn't his game. Yet, the horse will be perfect for the Grand Steeple in three weeks! The plan wasn't to lead, but he was a bit nervous, and his rider preferred to let him move forward early on. In the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, there will certainly be pace with horses like Juntos Ganamos or Il Est Français, which he will like. Regarding Gardons le Sourire, he wasn't very lucky, but today's entry was mainly opportunistic."
Hugo Merienne (trainer of In Love, 3rd) - Training Centre of Chantilly (60):
"The race didn't go as we hoped. Due to a lack of pace setters, he ended up leading by default. We'll see how he recovers and decide about his participation in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris later."
The Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is set on Sunday, 16 May 2024, at Auteuil Racecourse.