€278,000 Alain du Breil 4yo Hurdle Race (Gr1): Green light for Pistache Doré

Sunday, 19 May 2024, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). – To conclude a Grand Steeple weekend full of emotions and surprises, Pistache Doré (Sommerabend) upset the odds in the €278,000 Prix Alain du Breil (Gr1), the Spring Championship Hurdle for 4-year-olds.

The race, as expected, was led at a strong pace by Ella Duchic (Tunis). Pistache Doré, who finished fourth in the Prix Cambacérès 3yo Hurdle Race (Gr1) last autumn, took advantage of the favourites faltering to seize the lead. Kingland (Cokoriko) moved up in the final turn but couldn’t catch the winner, who was dominant in the closing stages as the early leaders faded one by one.

Also coming from behind, Kibboutz (Spanish Moon) made a strong final effort to secure third place, nine lengths behind, ahead of Gardien de Musée (Chœur du Nord).

The favourite, Léon du Berlais (Authorized), made an early mistake and was never in contention.

Pistache Doré was bred by Chantal Becq and is owned by Mrs Patrick Papot in partnership with his trainer, Daniela Mele.

A year ago, Pistache Doré won the Prix Stanley 3yo Hurdle race (L) after making a successful debut over Compiègne Hurdles. Although he was consistently bested by the top of his class, he recently returned to winning form in the Prix de Marsan 4yo Hurdle Race (L) and more than confirmed his ability here.

Pistache Doré is the fourth foal out of Sirène Dorée (Kingsalsa), who ran in 50 flat races and won four times. Pistache Doré is her most accomplished foal to date. She has since produced a 3-year-old by Martinborough and a 2-year-old by Chachnak.