Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris – Le Défi des Haras : Gran Diose and Sel Jem Aim for a Historic Feat

On Sunday at 4:05 PM, fourteen runners will line up for the 2025 edition of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris – Le Défi des Haras (Group 1). This strong turnout ensures the race will serve as the support for the Quinté+. The Grand Steeple remains a race apart, even more so this year with two contenders aiming for a historic double: the highly anticipated Gran Diose (Planteur) and Sel Jem (Masked Marvel), who was supplemented to run on Sunday.

Gran Diose will carry the mantle of favourite. Winner of both the Grand Steeple and the Prix La Haye Jousselin (Group 1) in 2024, he returned with an impressive win in the Prix Ingré (Group 2), never coming off the bridle. All signs point toward another top-class performance. As for Sel Jem, crowned in the 2022 Grand Steeple, he makes his comeback after a long break following an injury sustained in the 2024 Prix Ingré. He returned with a commanding win over Incollable (Karaktar), who he’ll face again on Sunday. With his experience and proven ability over this course, he remains a formidable rival—especially with one of the greatest jockeys of all time in the saddle.

Behind the Favourites, Everything’s Still to Play For

While Gran Diose and Sel Jem naturally draw the spotlight, the race remains wide open for the places—and even more—should either of the two falter. Goliath du Rheu (Castle du Berlais) stands out as an intriguing prospect: he too made a successful comeback after a long break, winning the Prix Murat (Group 2) in fine style. He could offer a first Grand Steeple to trainer François Nicolle and owner Jacques Détré. Nicolle will also saddle Diamond Carl (Diamond Boy), one of the leading steeplechasers since his 4-year-old season. Victorious in the Prix Georges Courtois (Group 2), he was clearly on the up that day and now looks ready to strike big.

Haras de Saint-Voir will field two legitimate contenders: Grandeur Nature (Lord du Sud) and Incollable. The former won the 2023 Prix La Haye Jousselin before finishing runner-up in last year’s Grand Steeple. His comeback was solid if unspectacular, and he would have preferred softer ground. Still, racing without blinkers this time, his experience could take him onto the podium. Incollable has always been highly regarded. He recently finished second to Sel Jem and, if he relaxes properly, could stay the 6,000 metres very well.

Among the other hopefuls, Kolokico (Cokoriko), winner of this year’s Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (Group 1), likes to lead at a strong gallop. Second in the Prix Murat, he must now prove his stamina. If he stays, he could spring a surprise. In Love (Great Pretender) always excels over trips beyond 5,000 metres and has place credentials, as does Jazz Manouche (Nom de D’La), who would have liked some rain but has strong long-distance form. Hasard de Brion (Axxos), winner of the 2024 Prix du Président, fits the same profile. Toscana du Berlais (Shantou), reliable and tough, fell when beaten in last year’s race—if he stays on his feet, he could sneak into the finish. Inaya Jones (Muhtathir), Doctor Kaleo (Doctor Dino)—the 2025 Président winner—and Le Roi David (Bathyrhon) round out a field where the outsiders all have something to recommend them.