22 September 2020
Photo scoopdyga.com
Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Auteuil. - This year the 5-year-old AQPS Figuero (Yeats), owned by Jacques Détré, won an unusually autumnal Ingré Chase (Gr3). Indeed, this preparatory race for the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (Gr1) which takes the main chasing course of Auteuil generally takes place in April or May, but the big event having been moved to the Autumn, so did its prep race.
It was a lively 2m6f chase as the favourite Ebonite (Khalkevi) fell at the second jump, in the Auteuil turn, while Srelighonn (Martaline) also fell at the wall jump, before the last turn, as he was still very much in contention.
Most of the runners, to be fair, were still in contention as well as leaders Enjeu d'Arthel (Saddler Maker), Device (Poliglote) had travelled with Roxinela (Muhtathir), Feu Follet (Kapgarde) and Carriacou (Califet), Figuero (Yeats) then travelling a little behind after an awkward jump at the rail-ditch-and-fence, like Fou Délice (Poliglote).
Between the last two jumps, however, the situation was getting a bit clearer as only Feu Follet, Device, Figuero, who had come back after a breather, and a brave Carriacou were still competing for the victory.
This time, however, the 5-year-old Figuero had the last word and won by 3 lengths over reassuring Device, decidedly back to its best, Carriacou completing on the podium at a good length. Feu Follet was finally worn down, after Roxinela and Enjeu d'Arthel had also given up.
The chasing season looks very exciting indeed.
Trained near Royan by François Nicolle, Figuero won the Maurice Gillois 4yo Chase (Gr1) last year. He had confirmed that he belonged with the best chasers all-around this season when winning over hurdles against older horses but he was well beaten afterwards when 4th in the Murat Chase (Gr2). He had to make amends here and he did.
He's the first foal out of the AQPS mare Annaland (Saint des Saints), who has since given five other foals including three females by Lord du Sud, Vision d'État and Free Port Lux. A colt, now gelded, by Montmartre was also born in 2017 and another one, by Cokoriko, in 2020. Annaland was trained but she did not run. Her dam Palmaland (Arnaqueur), herself a daughter of the very good mare Queensland IV (Citheron), dam of the good jumpers Embiez (Lute Antique) and Cumberland (Cyborg), also a winner of the Prix Maurice Gillois.