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Gelding becomes Kendergant’s 29th stakes winner

Kendergant (Kendor) sired his 29th stakes winner courtesy of Batwan’s (5 g ex Matwan by Indian Rocket) victory in the Prix de Saint-Georges (Gr 3, 1000m) as racing returned to ParisLongchamp on Monday. 

The Philippe Sogorb-trained five-year-old was having his first run in 12 months having been last seen finishing second in the 2019 edition of the Prix de Saint-Georges, but he was able to go one better this year - beating Gold Vibe (Dream Ahead) by half a length. 

A return to Longchamp for the Prix de l'Abbaye (Gr 1, 1000m) is Batwan's key target for the season. 

"I'm delighted with that," said Sogorb. "I always had a bit of trouble training him at two and three and he had a bit of temperament about him.

"Gelding him [at three] and, above all, dropping back in trip has been the key to him. We sent him for a holiday at his owner Monsieur Pariente's farm for six months last year and he has come back a much stronger horse.

"I think he has the turn of foot to be a very good sprinter. In terms of his programme it's easy. He'll run in the Prix du Gros-Chene, then come back in the autumn for the prep race [Prix du Petit-Couvert] and then the Abbaye."

Batwan is out of Listed-winning mare Matwan (Indian Rocket), making him a half-brother to fellow Listed winner Wanaway (Galiway). 

Matwan herself is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Myasun (Panis) and the dams of Group 3-winning duo Morando (Kengardent) and Lacarolina (Charge d'Affaires). 

Kendargent stood at Haras de Colleville for €15,000 in 2020.