Highly anticipated at a rating of 9/10, Galashiels hit a rock with the great entertainer Rashford. Quickly installed in the lead by Eddy Hardouin, the 4-year-old male set a regular pace in the lead, equipped with Australian blinkers for the first time, repelling the strong attack from the Godolphin representative all along the straight. Winner of this stage of the Défi du Galop for the third time (Smart Whip in 2017 and Thousand and Thousand in 2020), the winning jockey taught us: “He started well and then landed well. He knows his job. At the exit of the kindling, he took the bit back from me, then showed himself to be very solid in pushing back Galashiels. He was simply in good spirits and wanted today.” A success which highlights the work of young trainer Damien Artu, who is taking part in his first Listed race here. Highest value of the lot (48.5), Galashiels must be satisfied with a good second place in front Kliff Béréwho seduced his jockey Jérôme Moutard: “He is simply beaten by the two horses in the race. This will make a good horse over this distance next year.” Pending regarding its rating, this Nantes Grand Prix sees the biggest names stand out this year and should, a priori, retain its Listed-race label for next year.
