Blue Diamond had not experienced defeat since October 8, 2023. This Saturday in Auteuil, the last winner of the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (Gr.I), author of a victorious comeback, saw his supremacy undermined in this final preparation for the Autumn Grand Prix. Quickly to the forefront with Thaix gameremaining a little isolated on the rope side in the line opposite while his rival galloped all the way outside, Blue Diamond was never able to threaten his colored companion on the flat, even having to concede first access to the good finisher, Heloy Delabarrière. Disappointment was felt in those around the son of Martalinebut Patrick Papot, also owner of the winner, Thaix gameput things into perspective somewhat: “Actually, it’s not easy when you have two horses in the same class that run pretty much the same way… We had no interest in sending Blue Diamond in battle today. He will go into battle in beauty. History only remembers the winners of Group I. However, perhaps Thaix game will still dominate, unless Heloy Delabarrière don’t get everyone to agree…“
Game of Thaix and Heloy Delabarrière set their milestones for Group I
Dolphin of Blue Diamond in the Prix de Compiègne (Gr.III) for his comeback, where he lost his invincibility over obstacles, Thaix game was this time able to deliver his real score, leading from start to finish, without ever letting up his effort in the final phase. Progressing with each of his attempts, Thaix game proves he can play in the big leagues. “I think he really has miles in his legs, specifies Daniela Mele, his mentor. He’s a tough horse and today he didn’t want to give up; he didn’t want to lose. It’s a crack! I am sure that the distance of the Autumn Grand Prix (4,800 meters, editor’s note) will not pose a problem for him, because he can continue like this for a long time.” With Blue Diamond et Thaix gamethe Papot family has serious assets for group I of the month of November, but it will have to be particularly wary of Heloy Delabarrièreauthor of a very good end of the race after having spun for a long time Blue Diamond. “We mainly ran it on the steeplechase because Arnaud (Challé-Challé) felt he was better in this specialty, specifies its co-owner, Emmanuel-Julien Leclerc. But he got hurt and a little scared on the tribune river and doesn’t really want to jump it anymore. In the absence of ThelemaArnaud thought it was worth testing him on the right hurdle events. The horse is currently doing well; it’s even getting better and better. He adapts well to this specialty. He’s a very big jumper, but he also has speed and likes heavy ground. He’s a horse that has little foot problems so he’s better in this kind of terrain.” The appointment is made on November 16 for the final match…
