Pierre de Lassus 4yo Hurdle: The duellists back on stage

October 16, 2021, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). - Favourite for this second race of the season after a lengthy absence, second last time out for his come back behind Hermès Baie (Crillon), the Cambacérès Hurdle (Gr1) winner Thélème (Sidestep) was carrying 4 extra kilos in the Pierre de Lassus 4-year-olds' Hurdle (Gr3), and so was his rival. However, this penalty did not prevent the two champions from dominating the small field once again as they took over the long-standing leader Hurrick des Obeaux (Saddex) to jump the second last. They fought hard to the wire in the run-in and once again, the AQPS Hermès Baie kept the lead, beating Thélème by a mere head, and adding a fifth straight win in 2021 to his record. True Tiger (Jukebox Jury) finished third at 5 lengths.

The stage is set for the grand finale, on November 14 in the Renaud du Vivier 4-year-olds' Hurdle (Gr1).

Ludmika (Murmure), the winner's dam, has had a short but rather successful racing career with Yannick Fertillet as she ran three times to take two second places and a third. She has become a prolific broodmare though, foaling seven produce, notably with Crillon, including Hermès Baie, the best of this offspring with Dress Baie (Crillon), winner of four races. The last full sister to Hermès Baie, whose breeder is André-Jean Belloir, is named I Love My Baie: she was sold £ 80,000 at Goffs UK in May. Ludmika has since met another sire: her two last foals are by Tiger Groom and a Puit d’Or colt was born this season.