Damien Artu won the 1st Listed race of his training career with Rashford beating favorite Galashiels in the Grand Prix de Nantes (L), the 14th stage of the Défi du Galop. In this high-end meeting, Le Riskel was ahead of Ladiva Smart by a nose in the Prix de l'Avenir, the Gr.3 for the 3-year-old AQPS. Finally, we were able to admire the scale of the talent of the giant Color Ritano in the Grande Course de Haies de l'Ouest.
Still very recent president of the Société des Courses de Nantes, Michel Huet was playing very big on this Friday, November 1, 2024. Indeed, while the Prix des Sablonnets and the Derby de l'Ouest had already lost their Listed label for several years, the Petit Port racecourse could not allow risking the degradation of the Nantes Grand Prix, the Arc de l'Ouest over 2400 m, 14th stage of the Défi du Galop. And this is not just a question of bling bling, because prestige is an essential notion of the racing industry, all based on the desire and excitement of the owners, maintained by the results of the trainers on the base. of the program and infrastructure proposed by the organizers.
Exhausted, the track had become impassable during the drought of 2022 and it had to be rebuilt from A to Z. Now, progress has been resumed and the work phases are continuing. The public finds its way back to the racecourse and the track is once again satisfactory, even withstanding the torrential rains of October (+40% precipitation on average in France). Here, the efforts made to attract quality horses in the Grand Prix have borne fruit, notably with the arrival of Galashiels sent by André, and the List status is saved for at least the next 3 years.
Rashford bravely leaves under Galashiels attack.
Magnificent experienced horse, having beaten the champion this year Goliathand comfortable on deep slopes, Galashiels was obviously the favorite for the Nantes Grand Prix under the saddle of Mickaël Barzalona. However, despite an attack which seemed decisive 300 m from the goal, he came up against resistance from Rashfordtaken offensively in the lead by Eddy Hardouin. Former very good horse at Yann Barberot, this son of the omnipresent Zarak was 2nd in the Prix de Condé (Gr.3) at 2 years old then classic hopeful in the spring of his 3 years, finally Listed winner in the Prix Vulcain in 2023. However, this year, he seemed to have lost the sacred fire. For his 4th attempt under his responsibility, Damien Artuwho received him in the spring from his breeder owner Friedrich Hodeldecided to put Australian blinders on him. The effect was immediate. Starting in front, at a good pace, Rashford benefited from a sudden comeback to offer his first black-type victory to his young trainer, installed in Chantilly in 2022. Here we found the Rashford who had finished 3rd in the Awards Hocquart (Gr.3) and Greffulhe (Gr.3), the Jockey-Club preparatory courses.
Edday Hardouin with Rashford after his success in the Nantes Grand Prix (L)
After the Grand Prix, President Michel Huet and the vice president Jean Knot honored a former star jockey Alexandre Roussel, who retired this spring, making up his mind one morning before taking the road to Nantes where he was supposed to go up. The reason is simple. According to accounts, Alexandre Roussel is the jockey who has won the most races in the entire history of the Petit Port racecourse.
Alexandre Roussel, surrounded by Jean Uzel (left) and Michel Huet (right)
Recognized for his attachment to the condition of the slopes, he explained in an interview the effects of the work carried out in recent years. He who ended his career at the age of 49, Alexandre Roussel managed to outdo Joël Boisnard, the ancient multiple golden whip of the west, who was the king of Nantes for two decades.
Trainer since 2000 in Senonnes, recognized for his perfect versatility, Joël Boisnard experienced great emotion in winning the Grande Course de Haies de l'Ouest with his 3-year-old Color Ritano. Indeed, this totally atypical horse, a gentle giant who stands 1.75m tall, is a house student who wears the coat of his late wife, Anne Boisnarddied in November 2023. Anne had taken over her father's coat Gérard Margogneformer leading obstacle trainer in the West. Color Ritano is none other than the very latest horse that she named herself, undoubtedly in relation to Kendji Girac's hit, Color Gitano. Joël Boisnard had a lot of success with this family, notably with stings et StyxColor Ritano's uncles, whose older sister Zambella won 8 listed races over obstacles across the Channel!
Color Ritano wins the Grande Course de Haies l'Ouest.
Color Ritano, surrounded by Joël Boisnard, Gérard Margogne and Adrien Pageot after his victory in the Grande Course de Haies de l'Ouest
Ridden by Adrien Pageot, Color Ritano starts in hurdles for his 4th outing after 3 attempts in steeplechase. Winning on debut at Beaupreau, then overcoming obstacles like chalk marks on the ground, then good 3rd in the Prix Kargal at Auteuil, he had just ruined his chances with a big mistake at the end of the course at Lyon-Parilly. Such size at this age also implies a certain lack of agility. But he imposes himself in force here in front Ethie Castlea very pleasant girl Castle du Berlais who did not have his ease in the final phase. Color Ritano highlights the first French production of the stallion Bandthe brother of Doctor Dino by Authorized, which comes at the right time for Mathieu Talleux when he announces his arrival at Haras du Mazet.
Also installed in Senonnes, Alain Couétil confirmed his unofficial title of king of the flat AQPS. Thus, he won the Prix de l'Avenir, Gr.3 for 3-year-olds, thanks to The Riskel (No Risk At All). The latter also imitated his brother The Martel, winner of the same race in 2017. Having just opened his prize list for his 3rd attempt in Angers, the student of Isabelle de Saint-Anthost progresses with each outing.
On the right, Le Riskel courageously leaves under the saddle of Fabrice Véron facing the attack of Ladiva Smart, associated with Yoann Barillé.
Started in the lead under the saddle of a Fabrice Véron always as energetic, he was able to show a lot of courage to leave under the strong attack of Ladiva Smart (Manduro), already a double Group winner, who even took a neck lead 100 m from the post! Note the very good semi-return of Louisa Bamboountil then undefeated but who had been greatly upset by physical glitches in his preparation. She will have an obvious first chance in the Prix Jacques de Vienne (Gr.1).
GALLERY PHOTOS
The Nantes racecourse, a must-see in the Loire-Atlantique equestrian region
Former jockey now trainer, Sébastien Zuliani brought in his sons, themselves star jockeys, Angelo and Lucas Zuliani.
Discovery of the world of racing. With family. And with tenderness
Nothing like a nice hot shower after a big effort
As well as a good little gorgeon… under good guard!
Little post-race stroll, behind the scenes
It's time to “dress up”
“Hey, but it’s the guy from France Sire, I recognize him!”
Complicious moment, between “Beauty” and the “Beast”
In the eye of the champion
Jean Uzel, vice president of the Société des Courses de Nantes
Onward march, in the presentation circle of the Petit-Port
Photo shot of a man taking a photo shot
Last caress, before entering the track
A little guy who doesn't miss a beat!
“And you, Raymond, on which horse are you going to bet your beautiful money?”
The Nantes racecourse, the ideal place for a family outing
“Being a head taller than the others”, expression through images
At the start of the final straight
Light Wakeup and Tony Piccone, racing towards victory in the Prix Place Royale
Fighting for places
The joy of work accomplished
In the privacy of the heroes of the slopes
Cow love, true
The Défi du Galop, a highlight of the horse racing season at the Petit-Port racecourse, in Nantes
The Nantes finishing post, so special, and so difficult to reach first
Horse racing, a passion from mother to son
Michel Huet, President of the Société des Courses de Nantes
We're making plans for the next one among the young people!
Who knows… maybe our future colleagues at France Sire?
Entrance of the artists
Beer, food, friends… shopping the way we like it!
“It’s your turn, my champion!”
Under the eye of the paparazzi
This is… Nantes!
How beautiful love is… between cousins!
And here they go!
Keep Calm Dariyan and Clément Lefebvre, in perfect symbiosis on the embankment, in front of the stands, in the Archy Bald Prize – APGO
At the heart of the pack
At the end of the Archy Bald Prize – APGO, with Keep Caml Dariyan (Clément Lefebvre) and Kavaratti (Théo Dumouch) on the same line
A great final fight awaits…
… which will ultimately be won by Kavaratti and Théo Dumouch
The victory selfie, a custom that hasn't aged a bit within Gabriel Leenders' stable
The faces of winners, real ones!
The APGO (Association of Owners at Galop de l’Ouest), the partner you need!
