3 minute read

Chantilly was already in a festive mood before race day.

There was a parade through the town with regular horses and riders wearing the colours of the participants and parties all over the place.

But down to the serious business:  Big Rock had been all the go as he headed for a 5th consecutive win but he got run down in the end by Rouget's Cracksman colt Ace Impact 10/1.  Cristian Demuro gave him a lovely ride and Rouget explained that he had taken the same trail as Sotsass preparing for the race. 

We were delighted for our mate Andreas Schütz when his Poulains winner Marhaba Ya Sanafi ran third.  Feed The Flame was fourth and should benefit from the experience.

Also on the undercard we had the Grand Prix de Chantilly G2 over 2400m where, with only 4 to beat, Simca Mile justified her very short price.  Kertez was second on 4/1 and our roughie Lastotchka third but of course no third dividend.

The Sandringham G2 over 1600m for 3yo fillies went to Kelina, a Frankel filly trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias and ridden by Maxim Guyon who edged out Sauterne for second and Paz ran third.

The Prix de Royaumont G3 again for 3yo fillies went to the Fabre filly Ottery, a Dubawi daughter, ridden by Murzabayev -they were on 6/1 and Boogie Woogie had to settle for second with Engaliwe third.

The Gros-Chêne brought festivities for an end with a bit of a bang when Patrice Cottier's Game Run 15/1 ridden by Marvin Grandin overtook raiders Get Ahead and Marshman.