This week, the News In Brief includes Vadeni, Christophe Soumillon and heats for the G1 Grand Prix d'UET.
Flat
On Tuesday it was announced Christophe Soumillon would, with immediate effect, cease to be the retained rider for the Aga Khan, a position he has held since 2014 (as well as from 2002-2009). This was following an incident at Saint Cloud that saw jockey Rossa Ryan become dislodged following an encounter where Soumillon appeared to make contact with Ryan. Soumillon received a 60-day suspension for his actions. His final success with the Aga Khan was aboard Erevann winning the Prix Daniel Wildenstein (G2) last Saturday at Longchamp. He also finished second aboard Vadeni in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).
It has been announced Vadeni will stay in training in 2023 with the seasonal aim to be the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Winner of both the Prix de Jockey Club (G1) at Chantilly in June and Eclipse Stakes (G1) at Sandown in the UK, his second placing in the Arc last Sunday confirmed his ability to both run a strong 2400m and handle soft conditions. In the past Aga Khan Stud horses such as Sinndar and Dalakhani were retired at the end of their three-year-old campaigns but in recent years stallions such as Zarak and Dariyan raced as four-year-olds, winning G1 contests, before standing at Haras Bonneval in Normandy. Erevann will also race on with the Queen Anne (G1) at Royal Ascot (UK) a possible target.
In 2021 Grand Glory disappointed in the Prix de l'Opéra but then ran an excellent fifth in the Japan Cup. A year later the 6-year-old mare produced a first-class race in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) finishing fifth. Trainer Gianluca Bietolini has indicated she will now return to Japan. An invitation to compete in the Japan Cup has been received.
Last Sunday week at Craon, Hugo Lebouc was in the saddle on Russipant Fall, trained by his owner Joel Boisnard. He won the Prix du Haras de la Haie Neuve notching up his first Listed success. Three days later at Le Mans the 22-year-old jockey had the joy of securing his 86th victory which is synonymous with being elevated to the ranks of professionals scoring in the Prix de la Chapelle-Saint-Aubain riding Gormlaith, trained by Albert Tatard. After spending six months in the United Arab Emirates, he contacted Joël Boisnard to come and work at his yard and has been there for the past two years.
Trotting
Two heats for gaining a place in the Grand Prix d'UET (G1) were run at Vincennes last Friday and were won by Italiano Véro rating 1'12''3 and Iway in 1'11''7. The first heat saw the disqualification after investigation by the Stewards of Callmethebreeze for irregular strides close to the finish line. Following these races, the six qualifiers will perform in the European Group 1 on October 14.
Those who have qualified are Italiano Véro, Ideal of the Pommeau, Louis E Lobell, Iway, Unforgettable and I Want You.
