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News In Brief of French Racing and Trotting - 22nd September 2021.
This week's news-in-brief covers the new trainer for the HRH Aga Khan string, restructuring at Shadwell and the return of Campo Bahia...
Francis-Henri Graffard
Francis-Henri Graffard has officially been announced as the main trainer for the HRH The Aga Khan's string upon the retirement of current trainer Alain de Royer Dupre. He will take over Aiglemont, the private training centre based at Gouvieux which currently houses ninety of the Aga Khan's racehorses. Graffard will continue to manage his own training yard in addition to Aiglemont.
Shadwell
Following the death of owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Shadwell Estates has announced a restructuring of their racing and breeding programme. The family will continue to run Shadwell Farms with a number of stallions and mares however they plan to reduce the amount of bloodstock in dispersal sales.
Campo Bahia
The exciting Campo Bahia returned to the track at Kalmar (Norway) on 17 September after a year's absence. He finished last of five, but trainer Conrad Lugauer is expecting the six-year-old will improve for a couple of runs. Campo Bahia was disqualified at the final turn in the G1 Critérium Continental (2100m) at Vincennes in 2019 when leading eventual winner Face Time Bourbon.
Maxime Guyon
Winner of the Cravache d'Or leading jockey award in 2019, Maxime Guyon recorded a first success as the owner of a trotting horse when Emblème Castelets won at Vire on 19 September. He owns the horse in a partnership which includes Guillaume Gillot, Marion Menestrier and David Bekaert.
Whitecliffsofdover
Whitecliffsofdover achieved his first success as a stallion when juvenile Mary White scored at Divonne-les-Bains on Sunday. Placed at Group level multiple times as a two-year-old, Whitecliffsofdover stands at Haras de la Haie Neuve for 3000 euros
Grand Prix de UET
The G1 Grand Prix de UET will take place for the first time at Aby racecourse (Sweden) on 9 October. The qualifying events are to be held in Solvalla and Vincennes and have thirteen and fourteen entries respectively, including G1 Critérium des 4 Ans third Hohneck.
Grand Premio Continentale
The entries for the G1 Gran Premio Continentale, held on 26 September at Bologna (Italy) have been announced. There are twelve entrants with only one French runner, G1 Critérium des 4 Ans fourth Hohneck. It will be the colt's first race outside of France.
Feydeau Seven
Feydeau Seven dominated in the G2 Prix du President at Avranches (Switzerland) on Tuesday. This contest was the second stage of the Trotteur-Francais European Tour and the Jean-Michel Bazire trained performer leads the standings with victories in the first two stages. Next stage will be held at Son Pardo in Spain.
Charles Cuiller
Trainer Charles Cuillier has enjoyed a successful season with his stable-star Elvis du Vallon. Winner of three races and 200,000 euros in prize money, the horse will be aimed for the Trotter-Francais European Tour contest at Gelsenkirchen (Germany) on 10 October.
Gelati Cut
Gelati Cut has undergone a medical examination after suffering an injury of his suspensory tendon on the right hind leg. He was withdrawn from the G1 Critérium des 5 Ans and will remain off the track for the remainder of the year.
Easysland
Winner of the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase at Cheltenham, Easysland has suffered an injury during the summer and will not be seen on a racetrack until 2022.
Alenquer
French-bred Alenquer is expected to take his place in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) after a six length second in the G1 International Stakes (2000m) at York (UK) behind Mishriff. The UK-trained colt finished third in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris (2400m) over course and distance.
Ludovic Proietti
Trainer Ludovic Proietti saddled his first winner when Murrayfield took the Prix Regional Council de Bourgogne at Cluny on Sunday. The trainer has held a public license since January and currently has a stable of five horses.
Gold Trip
Gold Trip, fourth in last years Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is currently in quarantine at Newmarket (UK) prior to flying out to Australia for a run in the G1 Cox Plate on 25 September. He will be trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.
Marie Solignac
Marie Solignac trained her first winner when Infinite took the Prix de la Turballe at Nantes on 21 September. Infinite was the trainer's thirteenth runner in 2021.
Invincible Bourbon
Invincible Bourbon produced an impressive display to win on Vincennes debut, the third success of his career. The colt is closely related to champions Mara Bourbon, Qualita Bourbon, Sam Bourbon and Fabulous Wood.
