A Spectacular Show Ahead Over the Hurdles at Auteuil

On Sunday, March 23rd, the Auteuil racecourse will host the second round of prep races for the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (Group 1) and the Prix Alain du Breil (Group 1), namely the Prix La Barka (Group 2) and the Prix de Pépinvast (Group 3).

From his training center in Dragey, near Mont-Saint-Michel, Dominique Bressou will send out two of his top contenders: Losange Bleu (Martaline) and Moody Risk (No Risk at All). One thing is certain: the show is guaranteed!

Losange Bleu, the hurdle champion, makes his big comeback!

A true superstar over jumps, Losange Bleu, winner of both the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil and the Grand Prix d’Automne (Group 1) in 2024, will make his much-anticipated seasonal debut in the Prix La Barka. Known for his smooth and consistent jumping style, he becomes nearly unstoppable once in motion and is sure to stir up excitement once again… even if he has to carry 72 kilos and concede weight to all his rivals—an honor that comes with his stellar record.

Among his challengers is the formidable Nyiri (Scorpion), the king of Cagnes-sur-Mer, coming off two prestigious victories: the Grand Prix de la Ville de Nice (Gr. 3) and the Prix Hubert d’Aillières (L). Impressive every time he runs, he’s now seen as one of the top hurdlers in France.

Another serious contender: Le Philosophe (Doctor Dino), talented both over hurdles and fences, and owned by Jean-Michel Bazire, one of the biggest names in trotting. In 2024, he claimed the Grand Steeple de Compiègne (Group 2).

Among the 5-year-olds, Gardien de Musée (Chœur du Nord), one of the best hurdlers of his generation, will be tested against older rivals—a test that Square Saint Roch (Polarix) passed brilliantly in the Prix Juigné (Group 3). The big question: can he stay the full 3,900 meters, given his tendency to rush things?

Moody Risk on the royal road

In the Prix de Pépinvast, Dominique Bressou will once again be well-represented thanks to Moody Risk (No Risk at All), who has been supplemented for the race. She made a big impression on her seasonal reappearance, winning the Prix Virelan (Listed) over the Auteuil hurdles by fifteen lengths. She could very well emerge as one of the year’s big revelations.

Lining up against her: some quality opponents, including Cœur d’Amour (Castle du Berlais), winner of the Prix Général de Saint-Didier (Group 3) at Compiègne; Djin’s (It’s Gino), already a Group 3 winner over Auteuil’s hurdles; and Six Figures (Harzand), third in the Prix Cambacérès (Group 1), now ready to live up to his potential.

Top-class races, champions on the track, and thrilling stakes: Sunday, March 23rd at Auteuil promises to be a must-see day for all fans of jump racing!