November 17, 2024, was marked by two standout victories in top-level horse racing, both at the trot and the gallop. Two champions, Gran Diose at Auteuil and Hussard du Landret at Vincennes, delivered performances that were anything but coincidental, highlighting their exceptional consistency at the highest level. Their wins open exciting prospects for the remainder of the season.
Prix La Haye Jousselin: Gran Diose’s path to history?
In his second attempt at the Prix La Haye Jousselin (Grade 1), Gran Diose improved on his 2023 performance. Runner-up to Grandeur Nature last year, he seized his chance this time, claiming victory in a time of 6:54.42. The winner of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (on May 19, 2024) has solidified his reputation as the best jumper of the year. Gran Diose became the 14th horse in history to achieve the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris and Prix La Haye Jousselin double in the same year, joining the ranks of legends like Docteur de Ballon, who was also trained by Louisa Carberry.
In a demanding race, marked by the early withdrawal of Il est Français—the initial frontrunner—Gran Diose dominated with authority. Neither his rivals nor the defending champion, Grandeur Nature, could threaten him. After finishing three and a half lengths behind last year, Grandeur Nature lagged five lengths behind this time.
Excelling in sections five and six, Gran Diose made a strong start, positioning himself in the leading trio and maintaining his pace despite Auteuil’s technical course and soft ground rated at 4.1. With a top speed of 32.27 mph, he was the competitor with the lowest peak speed, a testament to his steady rhythm throughout the race’s 22 obstacles, including the daunting river jump, cleared twice. His average speed of 29.45 mph surpassed that of all other runners, enabling him to conserve energy and secure his first Grade 1 victory in a career that began in 2020.
Jockey Thomas Beaurain replaced Clément Lefebvre, sidelined by an earlier fall. For the 37-year-old Beaurain, this was a special moment: his first major classic victory after shining five times in Grade 3 events, and a nod to his late father, Jean-Yves Beaurain. A legend at Auteuil, Jean-Yves won this race eight times, seven of those with the iconic Al Capone II.
This triumph also highlights the meticulous preparation by Louisa Carberry and her husband, Philip, a former jockey, who ensure their horses peak for marquee events. It’s a victory for owners Messrs. Monnet and Hinderzé as well, whose star horse continues to write their success story.
Prix de Bretagne: securing a place in the Prix d’Amérique
November 17 was also a day for top-tier competition at Vincennes, where the Prix de Bretagne (Grade 2), the first qualifying race for the Prix d’Amérique (Grade 1), took place. For the second year running, Hussard du Landret claimed victory, clocking a mile rate of 1:11.4 over the 1.68 miles of the Grand Piste, almost matching his 2023 time of 1:11.0 against tougher opposition.
With this win, Hussard du Landret, trained by Benoît Robin, became the first horse to secure a spot in the 2024 Prix d’Amérique. He joins top contenders like Ampia Mede Sm, Hohneck, and Idao de Tillard. This early qualification gives him a strategic edge, allowing for a lighter schedule in upcoming prep races to arrive fresh for the last Sunday in January.
The Prix de Bretagne also underscored a tactical pattern: a gradual increase in pace followed by a decisive sprint finish. In the final 0.31 miles, Hussard du Landret accelerated alongside San Moteur, who also secured his ticket to the Prix d’Amérique. Completing the podium was Hooker Berry, who achieved qualification with a time of 3:12.9 and a mile rate of 1:11.5.
Projections for the Prix d’Amérique
With this second consecutive win in the Prix de Bretagne, Hussard du Landret positions himself as a leading contender for the Prix d’Amérique. Although he missed the podium in last year’s final, his current form suggests he could peak at the right time.
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Fr : Deux disciplines, deux confirmations !
Le 17 novembre : Gran Diose, vainqueur du Prix La Haye Jousselin, et Hussard du Landret, lauréat du Prix de Bretagne, ont prouvé leur régularité et ouvrent de belles perspectives pour la saison !
En : Two disciplines, two champions!
On November 17: Gran Diose, winner of the Prix La Haye Jousselin, and Hussard du Landret, champion of the Prix de Bretagne, had proven their consistency and set the stage for an exciting season ahead!