€247,000 Georges Courtois (Gr2): Diamond Carl the hard way

Auteuil, France – December 8, 2024 – Three weeks after unseating his rider in the Prix La Haye Jousselin Chase (Gr1), when he was sent off at less than 5/1, Diamond Carl (Diamond Boy) completely redeemed himself over the 4,400 meters of the €247,000 Georges Courtois Chase (Gr2). The representative of the Papot family did it the hard way, as on very heavy ground, he made his challenge on the backstretch to hold off a strong late charge from Kashdam (Kapgarde), the recent third-place finisher in the Prix Fondeur (Gr3), who finished more than two lengths behind. The latter thus gained revenge on Alcyone Rouge (Pastorius), who finished well in third, twelve lengths back, after having finished ahead of him in the Prix Fondeur, the Grand Steeple-Chase for 5-year-olds.

Diamond Carl is out of Sa Carla (Satri), a steeplechase winner who also performed well over hurdles. She finished second in the Prix d'Essai des Pouliches at Enghien racecourse. She has notably produced Sa Carlex (Saddex), who has earned more than €130,000, and Sarabend (Sommerabend), winner of two hurdle races at Jallais and Dax.

Diamond Carl is the third foal out of Sa Carla. Lebandacarl (Bande), who will turn 4, is still a maiden. In 2022, she produced a filly named Dschinging Carla (Dschingis Secret), then a Choeur du Nord colt.