Champions Return to the Track: Thrills Guaranteed at Auteuil

Champions Return to the Track: Thrills Guaranteed at Auteuil

Trained at the Royan racecourse by Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé and François Pamart, Kaadam (Saint des Saints) and Hacker du Berlais (Doctor Dino) were the leading steeplechasers among four-year-olds and three-year-olds, respectively, in 2024. Both will make their seasonal comeback on Saturday at Auteuil, during a meeting that promises top-class action!

Kaadam, aiming for the top

The highly anticipated return of Kaadam will take place in the Prix Troytown (Group 3), the second leg of the Grand Steeple-Chase Masters. For the first time, he will face older horses and take on the legendary obstacles of Auteuil’s outer track, including the fearsome rail-ditch, the ultimate test of the course.
Despite the challenge, the Royan-based runner is expected to be a crowd favorite. And with good reason: a victory here could open the door to the iconic Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris!

Competition will be fierce. Kif Kif Bourricot (Masked Marvel), an impressive winner at Pau, will be looking to confirm his growing reputation. Hasard de Brion (Axxos), winner of the Prix du Président de la République (Group 3), will also be a serious contender, along with the ever-reliable Youtwo Glass (Joshua Tree) and Kentucky Wood (Balko), who arrive in great winter form. And we certainly can't overlook Grand Oncle (Saddler Maker), whose experience could prove a decisive advantage in a race where know-how often makes the difference.

Hacker du Berlais, the champ is back

Meanwhile, Hacker du Berlais will make his return in the Prix Duc d’Anjou (Group 3), the first step on the road to the Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (Group 1). The undisputed leader of the three-year-old steeplechasers last season thanks to his victory in the Prix Congress (Group 2), he will reunite with his runners-up from last November: Lauthentyko (Pour Moi) and Apollon du Luy (Kapgarde).
This trio promises a thrilling showdown, the perfect way to kick off the season for the young stars of the steeplechase!

Big names in the Prix Virelan

To round off this exciting day, the Prix Virelan (Listed) is shaping up to be just as captivating. This Listed race will feature some of the best four-year-olds over hurdles, such as Moody Risk (No Risk at All), Layla Lux (Doctor Dino), Hassadam (Kapgarde), Lord Brett (Born to Sea), and Crown du Berlais (Saint des Saints).
A group of talented youngsters who may well become the stars of tomorrow... Definitely ones to watch!