Grand Steeple-Chase Masters 2026: 1st Leg– Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre Kilomètre Illimité, Three Years After His Brother Grandeur Nature

Grand Steeple-Chase Masters 2026

1st Leg– Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre

Kilomètre Illimité, Three Years After His Brother Grandeur Nature

The 5th edition of the Grand Steeple-Chase Masters, a four-race series leading to the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris scheduled for May 17, was officially launched this Saturday, February 14 at Auteuil with the Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre.

Contested over 4,400 meters, featuring the stands water jump and the inner steeplechase course — including notably the big open-ditch — this Group 3 steeplechase was won by Kilomètre Illimité, a 6-year-old gelding.

Kilomètre Illimité travelled throughout in the leading group. He easily took the lead at the penultimate fence. He defeated Crown du Berlais by ten lengths. Kapaca de Thaix, who set the pace, finished third.

Kilomètre Illimité succeeds his brother Grandeur Nature in the Prix Robert de Clermont-Tonnerre roll of honor, three years after his brother’s victory in 2023. Like him, he is trained in Royan-La Palmyre by Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé and François Pamart and carries the colours of Haras de Saint-Voir, owned by Nicolas de Lageneste in the Allier region. Kilomètre Illimité was also partnered by the same jockey, Gaëtan Masure, back in the saddle after six months on the sidelines following a fall.

Official Result

1st KILOMÈTRE ILLIMITÉ (jockey : G. Masure)
2nd CROWN DU BERLAIS (J. Charron)
3rd KAPACA DE THAIX (L.-P. Bréchet)

Connections’ comments

Nicolas de Lageneste (owner and co-breeder of Kilomètre Illimité, 1st)

“Kilomètre Illimité is a good horse who has not always had much luck. It’s true that he resembles his brother Grandeur Nature, but also his uncle Chercheur d'Or. We have taken our time with him in order to let him mature. We gave him time and then brought him back gently, giving him a protected programme and easier races. He is still an inexperienced young horse. He is on the right track to follow the route of the top steeplechasers. Kilomètre Illimité could run in the Grand Steeple-Chase Masters Prix Troytown (Group 3), and then we will see whether we wait until the autumn to let him mature further or if we go for the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (Group 1).” 

Gaëtan Masure (jockey of Kilomètre Illimité, 1st)

“I thought my horse was very competitive, thanks to his aptitude for heavy ground and his stamina, and he delivered. He really resembles his brother Grandeur Nature.” 

Hector de Lageneste (co-trainer of Crown du Berlais, 2nd) – Royan-La Palmyre Training Centre (17)

“Crown du Berlais ran very well today against more seasoned horses who had already raced throughout the winter, and we came here without pressure, simply to see where he stood.
He had few runs at 4 and logically lacked experience against such rivals, but the main thing was to continue his progression, without being at 100% yet. The idea now is to let him run in several trials for the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris so that he gains experience.” 

Daniela Mele (trainer of Kapaca de Thaix, 3rd) – Gavray-sur-Sienne (50)

“Kapaca de Thaix set off in a very attacking manner, setting a strong pace, and I was concerned that he might use up too much energy. Despite that, he fought all the way to the line, which is very encouraging. I am pleased with his performance. He has kept improving since the autumn and is really progressing in the right direction.”

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