French Champion Flat Jockey Christophe Soumillon yesterday turned his dextrous hand to the jumps at Auteuil when piloting the Jean-Paul Gallorini-trained favourite CAESARS PALACE in the Grand Prix dAutomne, a Grade I 3-mile hurdle race for horses aged 5 and over. The Belgium-born rider had switched codes with success in the past, most famously when running away with the 2010 French Champion Hurdle on Gallorinis MANDALI, but could not repeat the trick yesterday as his mount fell hard at the final flight when seemingly beaten. Thankfully for all concerned, both Soumillon and his gallant mount were unharmed and indeed the Belgian returned to the Butte Mortemart (as Auteuil is also known) today to guide HIPPOMÈNE to glory in the Grade I Prix Cambacérès. Bravo! With CAESARS PALACE having fallen at the last yesterday, it seemed the way was left open for NBB Racing - Nicolas Bertran de Balandas 2013 French Champion Hurdler GÉMIX to take the prize, but the 5yo chestnut faded badly in front and it was Nick Williams RÊVE DE SIVOLA who put in a brilliant late run under James Reveley to score on the line. Amazingly, the British-trained 8yo was last of the 7 finishers even after the final hurdle, however the multiple Grade I-winning gelding flew home and left French fans (and commentators!) in shock as their big guns were sunk. What with the Soumillon angle, the high-class French jumpers competing, and one of the most improbable finishes that I can remember, this race is definitely worth a watch and I am therefore very happy that France Galop have released the attached high quality footage! ENJOY! Alex @ The Winning Post.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 18:06:25 +0000
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