French Racing - Review of Prix La Haye Jousselin Steeplechase

Although this year's G1 Prix La Haye Jousselin failed to attract either of the first two home in the G1 Grand Steeplechase de Paris here in May it was still set to be a top-class contest. The ten-year-old and defending champion Poly Grandchamp was out to retain his crown but faced a stiff challenge featuring the likes of stablemate Figuero and Irish-raider Franco De Port. 

It was the François Nicolle-trained star Figuero who came out on top. The seven-year-old already had the form in the book having beaten the re-opposing Starlet Du Mesnil and Poly Grandchamp in the G3 Prix Heros Xii (4400m) here last month. 

As expected, it was last season's hero Poly Grandchamp who took them along in the early stages with Angelo Zuliani having settled the eventual winner a few lengths off the lead in fourth spot. The pace began to quicken down the back and the eye was always drawn to Angelo Zuliani as the pair made smooth headway to track the long-time leader Poly Grandchamp. The pair took it up with an extravagant leap over the second last and from there success never looked out of the equation. The son of Yeats was always keeping up the gallop and ran out a ready four-length winner. Grandeur Nature put in some good late work to deny Poly Grandchamp of the silver medal who in turn, ran an absolute stormer in defence of his crown. 

Figuero is the first foal out of the AQPS mare Annaland, who has since produced Gomeraland, third in the G3 Magné Hurdle and Hunter, a five-year-old dual winner. The sire Yeats was an exceptional stayer on the flat and a remarkable four-time G1 Ascot Gold Cup winner. Yeats, a leading NH sire, has produced the likes of English Grand National Winner Noble Yeats, G1 Irish Gold Cup hero, Conflated and dual G1 Stayers' Hurdle winner, Flooring Porter. 

François Nicolle suggested that the seven-year-old would be set for a break with the 2023 G1 Grand Steeplechase de Paris a long-term objective.