ENGLISH TEXTS
He would therefore not be able to win a fourth FWD QE2 Cup ( Gr . 1 ) at Sha Tin , staged too close to this last event . If he fulfils his contract in Arabia , who will care ? Romantic Warrior will no longer belong to Hong Kong , but to the whole world .
MAIN The ‘ best jockey in the world ,’ James McDonald , on the best horse in the world , Romantic Warrior .. © APRH
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BREEDING
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By Emmanuel Roussel
THE HARAS DU MONT-DIT-MONT : AT THE ORIGIN OF EXCELLENCE
Interview with Jenny Sassier , manager of the Haras du Montdit-Mont , who in just a few weeks achieved a Group 1 victory and secured the co-top price at the Arqana October Sale . A conversation with a passionate professional about a season that will go down in history .
Among the eight lots presented at the Arqana August Sale 2023 was a bay filly who caught the eye of Paul Nataf for € 50,000 when she stepped into the Deauville ring . Nataf , an art school graduate , transitioned into horse transportation before becoming a bloodstock agent over forty years ago . His background has left him with a keen appreciation for aesthetics and observation , qualities he credits as the cornerstone of his outstanding career . Over the years , he has acquired legendary horses such as Triptych in the 1980s , the iconic Sistercharlie , and more recently , Sweet Lady . The filly , named Vertical Blue , is by Mehmas and comes from the family of Spinacre , a Listed winner and Group 3-placed horse from the Lagardère “ V “ line . Bred at Haras du Mont-dit-Mont , Vertical Blue joined the training yard of Francis- Henri Graffard . She debuted with a second-place finish on June 4 , 2024 , at two years old , representing the partnerships of Gemini Stud and Argella Racing owned by Francis and Benjamin Teboul . Three months later , she placed second in the Listed Critérium de Lyon before stunning as an outsider with an impressive victory in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac – Critérium des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp during the Qatar Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe weekend . A promising prospect for the Classics at three , she captivated attention in December at Tattersalls , where she was sold for 3.2 million Guineas . Her new owner is American and a client of Francis-Henri Graffard , under whom the filly will remain in training .
A Group 1 Winner and Top Price Within Weeks Just two weeks after this incredible Group 1 triumph , the Haras du Mont-dit-Mont made headlines again by achieving the co-top price at the Arqana October Sale . Bred at the heart of Didier Reed ’ s operation , which he purchased in 2009 with Neil Helliwell , the standout this time was a striking chestnut colt by Night of Thunder out of Paramount , a Group 3-placed mare . The final bid of € 500,000 was placed by the talented Deauville trainer Yann Barberot , who has been familiar with the haras ’ families for years , having trained several of their horses .
A Fieldside Encounter Before the next chapter unfolds , we meet Jenny Sassier in the pastures of Haras du Mont-dit-Mont . At the helm for over three years , Jenny emphasizes the importance of observation in her role as a globe-trotting professional . She reflects on the events of October , discusses the haras ’ new commercial strategy , and shares her insights and vision as a business leader .
PAGE 20 Vertical Blue presented at the ARQANA Sale . © Zuzanna Lupa for Arqana
BOTTOM Vertical Blue during her victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac ( Gr . 1 ) on ‘ Arc ’ day . © APRH
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TRAINER
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By Emmanuel Roussel
FRANÇOIS NICOLLE RISES AGAIN
After two difficult years , trainer François Nicolle is back on top as the jumps season draws to a close . His resilience , forged through earlier challenges , has once again proven invaluable .
A trainer ’ s talent is a curious thing .
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