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News In Brief of French Racing and Trotting - 30th June 2021.
Wally
Wally (Siyouni), previously finishing fourth behind Skalleti in the G1 Prix d'Ispahan (1800m), returned to winning form with a half-length success in the G2 Gran Premio di Milano (2000m) at San Siro on Sunday. The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained four-year-old came with a late run to wear down long-time leader Grocer Jack (Oasis Dream). The trainer completed a double at the track courtesy of American Bridge in the G3 Premio del Guibileo (2000m), giving his sire Kodiac a 67th stakes winner in the process.
Magalen Bryant
There will be a huge void left in French racing after leading jumps owner Magalen Bryant passed away in her US home at the age of 92. She led the rankings in 2003 and 2004 and finished runner up eight times subsequently. Her blue silks with the distinguishing red cap were famous across the world, with her champions including: So French, 2017 G1 Grande Steeple-Chase de Paris (6000m) winner, five-time G1 winner Milord Thomas, dual G1 scorer Turgot and fourteen-time winner Blue Dragon, who won the coveted four-year-old G1 prizes of the Prix Alain du Breuil (3900m) and Prix Renaud du Vivier (3900m) at Auteuil in 2015.
Bertrand Lestrade
Bertrand Lestrade has been elected president of the Jockey Association for the next three years. He will be supported by a pair of vice presidents - Eddy Hardouin (flat) and Ludovic Philipperon (jumps). They will endeavor to protect and defend the best interests of the jockeys.
Drop des Duriez
Drop des Duriez (Olimede), trained by Grégoire Raffestin, was a shock winner in the latest round of the Trophée Vert at Montluçon-Néris les Bains on Sunday. The eight-year-old was prominent throughout and had enough in reserve to keep all challengers at bay. Favourite Détroit Ace (Texas Charm) flew home for fourth. The competition final is staged at Craon on September 6.
Fan Idole
Exceptional mare, Fan Idole (Le Ham), has passed away at the age of 28. The dual G1 Prix de l'Atlantique (2150m) winner was a globetrotting star for her trainer and rider Richard William-Denécère. She won 43 times from 108 starts, earning €2,184,369 in prize-money.
Marina Ducré
Marina Ducré secured her 50th winner last week at Vichy on Domingo Balago (Nil du Rib). The 23-year-old has maintained her progression with nine successes this campaign.
Yes Indeed
Yes Indeed (Martaline), winner of two starts at Auteuil this season, has been bought to race in the UK by Nicolas Bertran and Tom Malone on behalf of an English owner. The four-year-old gelding was last seen finishing fifth in the G1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (5000m) at Auteuil in May. He has been sent to Jonjo O'Neill to acclimatise and boasts a good pedigree - his dam, She Hates Me, is a sister of the late G1 chaser Top Notch (Poliglote).
