Ingré Chase: Le Berry digs deep to make up for blunder

Friday, April 30, 2021, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). - The Ingré Chase (Gr3) is the best prep race for the Grand Steeple Chase de Paris. Three weeks before the blue riband of the French jumps program, it is a popular final touch for the big one. 14 winners confirmed in the same year in the Frand Steeple, but non since Mid Dancer in 2015. Le Berry (Gémix) won this 21 Ingré by only a short head, but he almost unseated his rider at the second last jump and he had to be at his best to catch up with Feu Foort (Kapgarde) and win his 8th consecutive race, his seventh chase.

The field remained tight until Feu Follet took off and when Le Berry made his move, the David Cottin-trained grey almost lost Kevin Nabet at the landing after the "double barrière". He had to find another gear to come back on his main rival, who had tried to start again after his opponent's blunder. Like his sire Gémix (Carlotamix) before him, however, Le Berry came back to win at the last few strides of this 2m6f Chase. The 2021 Grand Steeple, on May 23rd, is very promising indeed.

Le Berry's dam, Kalberry (Kaldounevees), ran on the flat and finished fourth in the Prix de Flore (Gr3) for her breeder, Mrs Édouard Decazes. The mare's first offspring, Berryville (Poliglote), won the Grand Prix de Pau Chase (Gr3) twice after placing in the Derby de l'Ouest. He is from the family of Melbourne Cup (Gr1), Caulfied Cup (Gr1) and Hong Kong Vase (Gr1) winner Dunaden.