French jumpers perform on Boxing Day
Archive pictures Kempton Park DR
Imported French jumpers have once again struck gold on Boxing day in Britain and Ireland. 6yo AQPS Clan des Obeaux (Kapgarde) beat Thistlecrack (Kayf Tara) in the King George VI Chase (Gr1) at Kempton Park. Trained by Paul Nicholls, Clan des Obeaux was bred by Nicolas Devilder, who sold him after he won his first flat race in France in La Roche-sur-Yon when trained by his breeder. It was his first Gr1 win. Another well backed French jumper, the grey Bristol de Mai (Saddler Maker) fell at the 9th fence.
Click here to review the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.
On the other hand, the Christmas Hurdle (Gr1) favourite and previous winner, the French AQPS Buveur d'Air (Crillon) couldn't hold off his stablemate Verdana Blue (Getaway) until the very end, losing the race by a short head. The 3rd Grade 1 on the London card, the Kauto Star Novices Chase (Gr1), went to La Bague au Roi (Doctor Dino), a 7yo mare winning her 13th race in Britain. Bred in the Sarthe by Bertrand de Tarragon, La Bague au Roi never raced in France.
A big meeting was also held in Ireland at leopardstown on Boxing day with French import Le Richebourg (Network) taking the Racing Post Novices' Chase (Gr1). Bred by Jean-Marie Prost, Le Richebourg is trained by Joseph O'Brien for JP McManus. He had just got beat by his fellow French import Delta Work (Network) in a previous Gr1 at Fairyhouse.