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After 23 fences, and 3m 6f, there was a brave duel between Rosario Baron and Gex who provided a great finish in the sunshine at Auteuil with the former narrowly holding on to make it back-to-back Grand Steeplechase de Paris victories for 42-year-old jockey Johnny Charron.
After 23 fences, and 3m 6f, there was a brave duel between Rosario Baron and Gex who provided a great finish in the sunshine at Auteuil with the former narrowly holding on to make it back-to-back Grand Steeplechase de Paris victories for 42-year-old jockey Johnny Charron.
Eighteen participants began the journey for the biggest chase of the year in France, frequently referred to as the French Gold Cup. Under set-weights, the pace looked strong in the early stages with General En Chef who was sixth last year, making the tempo.
It wasn't until the final 5f when the field began to stretch out after the challenging famous Rail, Ditch and Hedge. Local favourite Gex lead the field turning for home with Rosario Baron edging closer, only half a length down with two to jump. Former UK Grand National winner, Noble Yeats was bravely staying on after appearing to be struggling but was never a danger to the duo up front.
The pair, both with nosebands, were together over the last but Gex landed awkwardly which gave an upper hand to Rosario Baron. Gex came again with one final attempt in the dying stages of the race but Johnny Charron was able to hold on aboard Rosario Baron by a neck to record back-to-back victories in the race following last year's success with Sel Jem. Daniela Mele was the trainer.
Twelve lengths away in third was Starlet du Mesnil and Imperil, trained by Nick Littmoden, a former Flat trainer in the UK, finished fourth. There was a good go for the minor prizemoney with the margins between fifth and eighth being a head, 0.75L, short-head and a head which included Noble Yeats (seventh) and the Willie Mullins trained Franco De Port (eighth).
Runner-up, Gex's owner Lord Daresbury raised the possibility of racing in the UK at some point when he spoke to Katherine Ford on Sky Sports Racing:
"We've got a lovely horse, he's run unbelievably well, and he's come back safe and sound which is the main thing, but it is frustrating, particularly when you are the hot favourite.
"He jumped unbelievably well. Bertrand (Lestrade) said he had to pull out as they came past the stands which gave him a bit of light early on and he found himself in front going down the back which ideally was too early – but the horse stays and he nearly came back to win anyway.
"We are the luckiest owners in the word, he's a lovely horse and he's young so he's got more time.
"I think he'll wait until the autumn now and then we'll think about going to England or not and then think about coming back for this race again."
