Olivier Peslier, our consultant for this weekend, never stopped reminding us how legitimate it was for an owner – especially when he is the breeder – to seek to compete with his horse for the price of Arc de Triomphe, even with modest luck. “You have to know how to have fun. It’s already a victory to be at the start and I perfectly understand Madame Fau’s desire to participate in this event,” he explained to us. The former crack jockey – and his entourageBeech Zark – obviously did not imagine that this final outing, supposed to be a celebration, would turn into a tragedy. While he was in a good position – which augured an excellent outcome in view of the progress of the race and the final classification – William Buick’s partner experienced physical trouble at the bottom of the descent (heart attack or lung problem were mentioned, without being confirmed) and did not survive. Sad end for the last winner of the Prix Ganay who was soon to begin his career as a stallion at Haras de la Haie Neuve and immense pain for Adrien Fouassier, his trainer, who, throughout the horse’s career, looked after him as a precious jewel, and the Fau couple. The accident ofBeech Zark had repercussions on the progress of the race, Mqse de Sévigné et Continuous having been upset by the horse which suddenly backshifted.
