The Prix Serge Landon – Grand Prix d’Automne version 2024 looked thrilling on paper with a top-notch field. And indeed, this group I bringing together the best hurdle-racers of age in the temple of the obstacle has kept all its promises. “I still think mine is the best.” Johnny Charron, the winner’s official driver Blue Diamond did not hide his feelings in an interview given to our daily newspaper. “We will move forward “ he openly announced to his opponents and the 44-year-old jockey kept his promises. Without the slightest hesitation, he assumed his responsibilities by taking command while his main rivals and companions, Hermès Very et Thaix gamegalloped in ambush with Heloy Delabarrière. “In the line opposite, I found the time longlearned the double winner of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. Blue Diamond has the ability to set a rhythm that is both regular and high. He accelerated on his own, without making any effort, and I find that truly incredible.” Still in a leading position at the start of the straight, the protégé of the Papot family jumped the penultimate hurdle badly, nosediving, almost knocking down his jockey, before recovering like a stunned boxer after an uppercut and able to get up to return to the fight. “This is also why we do this job. It can happen and it is all the more meritorious for my horse,” concluded the jockey, winner of his sixth group I in France, the first in this event.
A team victory
The tension barely subsided after the outcome and Dominique Bressou did not hide his satisfaction at the return of his champion, cheerfully telling his owner, Xavier Papot: “So, is it the best or not?” The latter retorting, still in a joking tone: “Yes, but he made a mistake.” A mistake that could have been fatal. “We were afraid. I’m relieved because we were beaten last and these are races that you don’t win by ten lengths. We are dealing with the best and nothing is ever written in advance, even when you are in the favorite’s costume. There is a lot of work behind this success. I would like to thank the Papot family for their unwavering support, even in difficult times. Congratulations to Florent Neveu, in charge of my antenna in Maisons-Laffitte and who is rising Blue Diamond every morning. It’s a team victory,” confessed the winning coach, his eyes shining with emotion.
The steeplechase in sight
The Papot family kept its promises by trusting not only in Blue Diamond et Thaix gameinitially planned for this group I, but also with François Nicolle, who had said that Hermès Very was in a wonderful state and that he had the right to present himself at the start with legitimate ambitions. “I wasn’t particularly keen on running, but after careful consideration and a good 25 kilometer walk, I made up my mind and accepted François’ proposal, asking him, however, to specify that he was the initiator. ,” the explicie Xavier Papot. “The idea was to start Blue Diamond in steeplechase. Ultimately, we do not regret this choice. I think early next year he will end up running the steeplechase. He works well in the morning in training, but until he demonstrates it on a racetrack.”
Contract fulfilled for Hermès Baie
François Nicolle can congratulate himself on having insisted on presenting Hermès Very because the son of Crillondouble winner of groups I, rose to the occasion, fighting until the end with Heloy Delabarrièrewhich forced the winner to maintain his effort. “He probably lacked a race in his legs to hope to win. It’s a shame, but that’s how it is. He arrived late and we worked extra hard. That wasn’t enough. He jumped well and his movements were fluid in a race that was nevertheless rhythmic. I found him focused. He was in racing mode, in his bubble. This is very satisfactory for the rest of his program. The contract is fulfilled,” concluded the man from Saint-Augustin.
