Big favorite of the event, Kaadam responded by offering himself a first Gr.1 victory in the Prix Maurice Gillois. After a mixed first semester, the Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé resident has completely rehabilitated himself by achieving a faultless performance in the fall, he who promises to be a future Grand Steeple horse. In partnership with the Master d'Oc stallion (Haras de Toury).
Best steeplechaser of his generation last year, Kaadam (Saint des Saints) confirmed his status at 4 years old by showing himself imperial in the Prix Maurice Gillois (Gr.1), at the end of a perfect season. Placed outside the peloton by Gaëtan Masurethe representative of Simon Macaulayl’Montmirail Hub stable et Andrew Peake took a clear advantage between the last 2 obstacles and headed towards a clear success, 6 and a half lengths ahead of an excellent Kentucky Wood (Balco). The latter, who made his comeback in steeplechase after a flat return, finished very well to come and deprive Royal Saga (Northern Choir) from 2nd place.
A Franco-English entourage is over the moon after this prestigious success © APRH
Victim of a foot problem at the start of the year, Kaadam was unable to show his true colors in two outings in the spring. Winner of the Prix The Fellow – Marquise de Moratalla (Gr.3) for his comeback, he confirmed in the Prix Orcada (Gr.3) by triumphing by 20 lengths (!), and won a well-deserved first Gr.1 victory in this Maurice Gillois Prize. Kaadam undeniably has the potential of a Grand Steeple horse; It remains to be seen whether he will try to win it at 5 years old or at 6 years old! In the meantime, the horse will go on vacation to its breeder, Richard Corveller. The Mayenne veterinarian wins his 2nd Gr.1 winner after Djakadamwinner of the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase twice in Ireland.
Gaëtan Masure won 4 times in 7 rides during the 48 hours of the obstacle © APRH
Kaadam offers a 4th success in the event to Arnaud Chaillé-Chailléwho won it 3 times in a row thanks to Cyrlight (2004), Multipurpose (2005) et Somoza Black Gold (2006). It's a first on the other hand for Gaëtan Masure, who had a great weekend: 4 victories in 7 rides, all at black type level! The Belgian jockey took to the saddle twice on Saturday, triumphing in the Haras d'Etreham – Prix Magalen Bryant (Gr.2) with Mamisuz de Houelle (Beaumec de Houelle), then in the Prix Congress (Gr.2) with Hacker from Berlais (Doctor Dino). In addition to Kaadam, he also distinguished himself on Sunday in the saddle on Bahyadam (Goliath du Berlais) in the Prix Robert et Jean-Claude Weill (L.), and finished 2nd in the Prix La Haye Jousselin (Gr.1) with the returning Life Size (Lord of the South).
Fiestine, the mother of Kaadam and Kashdam © APRH
Kaadam is a son of Fiestas (Martaline), winner of 5 obstacle races including the Prix Roger Saint (L.) at Enghien, but also 3rd in the Prix Sytaj (Gr.3) and 5th in the Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (Gr.1). He is the broodmare's 3rd product and his 2nd winner after Kashdam (Kapgarde), winner of the Prix Triquerville (L.) last year and 3rd in the Prix Fondeur (Gr.3) this Sunday! The 2nd mother, Glory (Saumarez), showed quality on the flat by finishing 3rd in the Prix de Barbeville (Gr.3), among others. Besides Fiestine, we also owe him Loradame (Muhtathir), winner of the Prix André Michel (Gr.3) and Bernard Secly (L.). This is a strain rich in black types, that of Golden Witch (Marc Antony Prize, L.), Mister Ange (General Prize Donnio, L. & 3rd Prize Georges Courtois, Gr.2), Rochelaurel (2nd Sytaj Prize), ect.
GALLERY PHOTOS APR
