ENGLISH TEXTS
that race. The early 2000s marked a real turning point in his career. The trainer of champion Le Sauvignon( Morespeed), partnered with his faithful jockey Dominique Bressou, remained unbeaten over jumps from May 2000 to December 2002. Nineteen months of invincibility crowned by 8 wins( including 7 at Stakes level) and three Group 1 victories! The son of Morespeed jumped with class and ease and brought his mentor true recognition. For the first time in his career, the name Bertran de Balanda appeared on the roll of honour of the Grande Course de Haies d’ Auteuil( 2000 and 2001) and the Grand Prix d’ Automne( 2000). A unique and historic treble, as only two horses in history have managed to retain their title in the Grande Course de Haies d’ Auteuil after also winning the Grand Prix d’ Automne in between.
Turgot brings him into legend Winning both the Prix Haye la Jousselin( Gr. 1) and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris( Gr. 1) is the dream of every NH trainer. Jehan Bertran de Balanda would achieve this feat only once in his career, at the age of 54, with Turgot( Turgeon), on November 7, 2004. At the end of the 5,500-metre course, on very soft ground, the Magalen Bryant-owned runner, partnered with Laurent Métais, allowed the trainer from Le Mans to enter Auteuil legend forever. Then aged 7, Turgot won the second Group 1 of
his career. The first had come three years earlier, in the Prix Inspace – Ferdinand Dufaure( Gr. 1). For the same stable, of course, but with Dominique Bressou( him again) as his rider.
Kauto Stone, a seed of Kauto Star The brother of the famous Kauto Star, one of the greatest jumpers of this century and a five-time winner of the King George Chase( Gr. 1), Kauto Stone had star quality in his genes. Six years after producing a living legend, his dam Kauto Relka gave birth on March 7, 2006, to Kauto Stone. This son of With the Flow, trained by Jehan Bertran de Balanda, had difficult beginnings over obstacles( pulled up, then fell), before showing his full potential during the summer meeting at Clairefontaine. Runner-up in the Racing Post Prix Cambacérès( Gr. 1) in 2009 at the end of his 3-year-old season, he won the Prix Maurice Gillois( Gr. 1) the following year in fine style, partnered with Christophe Pieux. At the age of 5, he then joined Paul Nicholls’ yard in England. A showdown with his older brother Kauto Star was even considered in the King George Chase. That duel never happened. Kauto Stone collected placings at the highest level before winning a second Group 1 in Britain, on November 3, 2012.
Ocre, the most symbolic Moved to tears, accompanied by his granddaughter, Jehan Bertran de Balanda watches in the rain, eyes filled with emotion, the tribute paid by France Galop during the 48 Hours of Jumping. Tears of joy fell from the sky that day. Two weeks later, the trainer from Le Mans saddled his final runner at Auteuil, in the Prix Sytaj( Gr. 3). Carefully and meticulously prepared by her mentor, Ocre( Jeu St Éloi) crushed the opposition to claim the finest victory of her career. Seeing him leave through the front door was everyone’ s wish. It had been 13 years since Jehan Bertran de Balanda had saddled a Group winner. This deeply symbolic victory reflects his 47-year career: beautiful and grand. Ocre, for her part, should still tell us some wonderful stories this year.
02 EVOLU- TION: RACES SINCE 1970
BY SERGE OKEY
PIERRE CHAMPION
BACK TO ARTICLE
AND THEN CAME THE DAY WHEN NH TRAINERS MOVED UP TO PARIS
Fairly close to trotting rac-
# 16 142