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News In Brief of French Racing and Trotting - 23rd June 2021.
This week's news-in-brief includes a first winner for Lucie Pontoir, Finnish success for Ce Bello Romain and the return of Hallix.
Three Classics for Ioritz Mendizabal
Joan of Arc's victory in the G1 Prix de Diane (2100m) for trainer Aiden O'Brien marked a third Classic success in one season for jockey Ioritz Mendizabal. The forty-seven-year old joins an elite club of jockeys including Yves Saint Martin (1967/68), Freddy Head (1975/76), Cash Asmussen (1993), Christophe Soumillon (2003) and Christophe Lemaire (2009).
Lucie Pontoir
Lucie Pontoir saddled her first winner as a licensed trainer when Apaulstar took the Prix de Royan at Auteuil on Saturday 19 June. The trainer has been based in Maisons-Laffitte since March and has thirteen horses in her care.
Ce Bello Romain
Délia du Pommereux was favourite to take the honours in the Kimi Grand Prix in Kouvola (Finland) on Saturday, however it was the other French representative Ce Bello Romain who picked up the prize for trainer Sylvain Dupont and driver Anthony Barrier. Dupont felt the draw was beneficial in defeating the Group One winning mare, with both horses racing side-by-side from the second turn. The Hugo Abergs Memorial on 27 July has been identified as a possible target for Ce Bello Romain.
Hallix
Hallix worked at Vincennes on Friday ahead of her bid for Group One glory in the Prix du President de la Republique on 27 June. The mare has not raced since 24 April due to a leg injury. Jockey/trainer Guillaume Gilot was reportedly pleased with her work.
Arqana Summer Sale
A further eleven horses have been added to Arqana's Summer Sale catalogue including nine horses-in-training. These include Italian Group Three winner Elisa Again (Champs Elysees), a half-sister to Group One placed Berkshire Rocco and a mare in foal to No Risk At All. The sale will take place from Tuesday 29 June until Thursday 1 July.
Nicolas Bazire
Diego Vernois is the first horse to race for Nicolas Bazire as a trainer competing at Vichy on Monday finishing downfield. It is understood seven horses will be recorded under his trainer license, potentially including Group One winner Davidson du Pont as well as Dostoievski and Fabago du Gers.
Flicka du Sky
Flicka du Sky gained a well-deserved victory for trainer/driver Christophe Petrement, following five second-placed finishes in 2021. It was a 200th success for Christophe Petrement as a driver and he swiftly approaches a landmark 200 wins as a trainer (currently on 192).
Lucie Lebeurier
Lucie Lebeurier achieved her first win as a jockey at Jallais on Sunday 19 June with Vision d'Anjou. She is currently maintaining a good strike-rate for 2021, with one win and one placing from five rides.
