Racing Tv Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil - Losange Bleu Crowned for the Second Time

Race Summary 

The Racing TV Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (Group 1, the highest level of excellence in horse racing) lived up to all expectations on Saturday at Auteuil racecourse. Run over the demanding distance of 5,100 meters, this legendary and gruelling event once again required speed, stamina, courage… but also the soul of a true champion.

This year’s field was particularly strong. The public was delighted to welcome back the outstanding Losange Bleu, one of Auteuil’s most popular horses, as well as champion Thélème. The formidable British and Irish challengers Henri The Second and Home By The Lee, both well known to fans of major international races, were also in attendance.

Victory went to an imperious Losange Bleu, who made all the running from start to finish. Partnered by jockey Johnny Charron, he broke his rivals’ resistance by setting a relentless pace throughout the race. Losange Bleu won by 7 lengths from Thélème, who tried in vain to challenge the future winner in the home straight. Jet Blue finished third, 12 lengths further back, completing an all-French-trained podium.

At 7 years old, Losange Bleu secured his second Racing TV Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil title following his victory in 2024. He had finished runner-up in the race last year. Losange Bleu races in the colours of his breeders, the Papot family, and is trained in Dragey-Ronthon (Manche) by Dominique Bressou.

Official Result 

1st — LOSANGE BLEU (J. Charron)

2nd — THÉLÈME (G. Masure)

3rd — JET BLUE (G. Meunier)

Quotes from the Winners 

Johnny Charron (jockey of Losange Bleu, 1st): 

“ I knew the British horses were going to make things difficult for me at the start, so I had to manage that. I had read in the British press that they would do everything possible to beat Losange Bleu. Then, on the final circuit, I simply told him: ‘Go on, enjoy yourself.’ At that point, he was all alone. He’s a superstar. At forty-five years old, I’m living a dream, especially with my son here today.”

Dominique Bressou (trainer of Losange Bleu, 1st) — based in Dragey-Ronthon (50): 

“Losange Bleu was the fastest today, although I think he may have jumped even better the other day when he won the Prix Léon Rambaud (Group 2). Today, he still had to make a real effort; perhaps the pace of the race was stronger. But above all, congratulations must go to everyone involved: the person who rides him in the mornings, the whole team, the pre-training staff, the breeding operation… Bringing a horse to this level and keeping him there over several years is never the work of just one person. I’m simply the trainer for the big occasions, but behind me there is a whole structure and an enormous amount of collective work.” 

Xavier Papot (breeder and owner of Losange Bleu, 1st): 

“Today there were two great champions. Thélème is a great champion and he may well prove it again before the end of the year. In a way, it’s a bit like football: some people prefer Zidane, others Platini, and in the end we will never really know which one was better. For me, it’s the same with Thélème and Losange Bleu: I’m incapable of saying which one is superior to the other. What I do know, however, is that we are talking about two extraordinary champions.” 

Bertrand Le Metayer (racing manager for JDG Bloodstock Services, owner of Thélème, 2nd):

“We are delighted. I don’t want to say it feels like a victory, but almost, considering everything this horse has been through. To see him perform at this level again today is already something extraordinary. We must also pay tribute to the Papot family for producing such a horse. What Losange Bleu is achieving is exceptional. I believe he has now equalled Thélème with five Group 1 victories, which is simply wonderful. Today the pace of the race was extremely strong and there is absolutely nothing to complain about. We simply saw the young champion defeat the old one. That’s nature, that’s life, and it is also what makes racing so beautiful. Now we will give him a bit of rest before seeing him again in the autumn. The story is far from over and we will prepare for the entire second half of the season.” 

Caroline Tisdall (owner of Jet Blue, 3rd): 

“We are very proud of Jet Blue, even if it is unfortunate that he keeps running into Losange Bleu! He is only seven years old and has once again delivered a tremendous performance. He showed great courage because he was under pressure for much of the race. For me, it was already an immense satisfaction to win at Cheltenham with him in 2024, and of course we hope to relive that experience one day. I live on the south coast of England and I have now been an owner for many years. As soon as I had the opportunity to own horses, I jumped into it. Today I own around ten horses spread across France, Ireland and England. The best at the moment is certainly Final Demand! I have also recently bought a horse with the aim of running in next year’s Grand National.”