9 April 2017
photo : scoopdyga.com
Winner of the 2016 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, So French won the Prix Murat Chase, a major stage on the way to a second success in the French chasing championship, saturday evening at Auteuil, while De Bon Coeur confirmed her leadership over the younger generation in the Prix de Pépinvast 4yo Hurdle...
Saturday, April 8, 2017, Auteuil racecourse (Paris). - Trained by Guillaume Macaire for US owner Magalen Bryant, So French (Poliglote) won the Prix Murat Chase (Gr2), known as the "Spring Grand Steeple", beating his stablemate Storm of Saintly (Saint des Saints) by two and a half lengths. Both horses were carrying the 72kgs (11st4lbs, or 158lbs) top weight as they gave weight to the field. Both have already won the French Gold Cup and they are more than ever favourites to win a second time on May 21.
The final prep race before the French chasing championship, Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, is the Prix Ingré Chase (Gr3) on April 29.
Also on the card of that beautiful jumping event, the Prix de Pépinvast 4yo Hurdle (Gr3) went to favourite De Bon Coeur (Vision d'État). Homebred by Jacques Détré, who owned her French Derby winning sire, is now unbeaten in five outings, all over hurdles. She once again beat her main rival D'Vina (Smadoun), but more decisively this time since she left her at twelve lengths.
Rider of So French and De Bon Coeur, James Reveley, who was coming back from injury, won four races on Saturday, while thainer Guillaume Macaire, favourite for a thirteenth title as Jumps Champion trainer, won three races.