Thursday 14th January 2010, Pau. Rhasodie des Sacar and Renard were at the head of the betting market for the €30,000 Prix de Laloubère Chase (AQPS - 3,900m). However it was Radji (AQPS - Adnaa) who took the glory in the end. He came here after a fall in the Prix de San Sebastian-Donostia. This horse was bred for jumping, he is out of Sirta who won 7 races, including the Prix Général Donnio (L.) and the Prix Saint Sauveur (L.) at Auteuil. He was bought in the 2009 click here for catalogue page) at Autumn Sales by Francois Cottin, for €20,000, when he had not yet run over jumps

Sunday 24th January 2010, Pau. Saying Again (AQPS - Califet) carried the colours of owner Ottavia Roffi-Urano (daughter of Lucien Urano, Ecurie des Charmes) to victory for the first time ever in the €30,000 Prix Al Capone II Hurdle (AQPS-4yos-3,500m). Saying Again came here off a win on the flat on December 29th.
Bred by trainer Guy Cherel, Saying Again is a son of Débandade (Le Pontet), a winner over both fences and hurdles.

Same day in Leopardstowmn (Irland): Unraced in France, but French bred nonetheless, Quel Esprit (AQPS-Saint des Saints) started off favourite but was beaten half a length into second place in the Synergy Security Solutions Novice Hurdle Gr2. Bred by Haras de St Voir, he makes up an impressive bunch of FRs trained by Willie Mullins. Quel Esprit was purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock at the Arqana Sale, at Saint Cloud, in July 2006 for €33,000.

Wednesday 27th 2010, Pau. Quamino d'Airy (AQPS- Cachet Noir) led the race until Quocotiep (AQPS - Network) joined him to jump the last hurdle together, before going on to show his superiority on the flat in the €32,000 Prix d'Urt Chase (AQPS-5yo+ - 4,600m). Opening his record in this race after a series of good runs, Quocotiep is well thought of by his trainer. Quamino d'Airy put up a strong performance in second place. Jacques Ortet was very satisfied with his runner: "He was beaten by a good horse. He is increasing in strength and will probably run in another AQPS chase next." Quocotiep's dam, Unetiepy (Marasali) was unraced but she has already produced the classy Pomme Tiepy (Apple Tree), Gr2 winner and Gr1 placed in England, as well as Dostiep (Laostic), 2nd in the Président de la République (Gr3).

Tuesday 2nd February 2010, Pau. The €30,000 Prix de Laruns Hurdle (5yos-3,800m) saw a group of 5 year olds prepare themselves for bigger things at Auteuil later in the year. Well thought of by Éric Leray, Rose et Bleu (AQPS - Princeton) won on his hurdling debut. He came here off a win over fences but is still relatively inexperienced, having had just seven starts. He was bred in partnership by owner Gérard Antier and Gérard Boutruche. His dam, Elodie de Falere (AQPS- Useful), who also ran Antier's colours, has already produced Quifapour (AQPS- Rifapour), winner on the flat and over jumps.

Monday 15th February 2010, Pau. Souy Beroy (AQPS - Goldneyev) was successful in winning the €32,000 Prix de Maslacq Chase (AQPS-4yos-3,900m). "He was too keen at the front on his last runs, that is why we changed tactics today and held him up at the back of the field." explained trainer Jean-Pierre Totain. "I will give him a break now and keep him for next winter."

Thursday 18^th February 2010, Angers The representative of François Nicolle, Sprint de Ferbet (AQPS - Dark Moondancer) took home the €18,000 Prix des Peltrais (AQPS-4yos-2,300m), leaving Saga Môme (Indian River) four lengths behind in second place. Sprint de Ferbet recently had her first run at Pau, where she finished a decent fourth

Sunday 21st February 2010, Pau After the success of Saying Again (AQPS - Califet) on January 24 in the Prix Al Capone, Guy Cherel did not hide how highly he estimated his AQPS representative. This time, up against "purebreds" in the €32,000 Prix François de Poncins Hurdle (4yos-3,800m) he told us once again; "this is an extraordinary horse". Straight to the front of the pack he set a decent pace and responded to the demands of jockey Cyrille Gombeau once the last hurdle was out of the way. "He is a phenomenon", announced Guy Cherel, who doesn't mince his words when it comes to his protégé. "Over fences he will be even better again. He is a horse that needs to be allowed to gallop on in front." Even if all eyes were on the winner, the strong performances of Sanjaka de Thaix(AQPS - Dom Alco), eventual second, and especially Nadiya de la Vega(Lost World), third placed and the only female in the race, should not go unnoticed.
Bred by the Cherel brothers, Saying Again is a son of Débandade (AQPS - Le Pontet), winner of the Prix André Boingnières at Auteuil. She has already bred Ladalko (AQPS - Kadalko), Gr2 winner over hurdles across the Channel, Oumeyade (AQPS - Smadoun), Gr2 placed over English fences, and Rochdale (AQPS - Vidéo Rock), winner of a "quinté" over hurdles at Auteuil. She also has a 2 year old by Prince Kirk. With www.frogsracing.com

Saturday 26th Angers. Riding Princess (AQPS - Sunshack) won the €28,000 Prix Roger de Terves Chase, also known as the Grand Steeple des 4 ans (3,800m), by 10 lengths, despite a mistake at the last hurdle. Riding Princess is out of Tara Kane II, a useful cross country mare, who has already bred the good Orlando Magic (AQPS- Assessor), 2nd in the Prix du Président de la République (Gr3).

Tuesday 29th December 2009, Deauville. Solenne du Clos (AQPS - Freedom Cry) confirmed her good debut when producing a strong final effort to win the €14,000 Prix du Haras de Saint-Lô (3yo AQPS Fillies-2,400m Fibresand). In a race led by Sara d'Ecupillac (AQPS - Chef de Clan), Solenne du Clos was very keen early on, but her jockey, Hervé Paimblanc, managed to switch her off at the back of the pack. The representative of Philippe Chemin made a nice effort in the straight to beat Silverlea (AQPS - Shaanmer) on the line. Solenne du Clos was bred in Mayenne by Gérard and Carole Durand. Her mother is a half sister of Nicolas du Clos (AC - Nononito), winner of the Grand Steeple de la Solle a few weeks ago.

Saying Again (AQPS - Califet) made the most of his return to racing in the €14,000 Prix du Haras du Pin (3yo AQPS Males-2,400m Fibresand), when beating Starnice (AQPS - Ragmar), with So Star (AQPS - Rifapour), third. Bred by the Cherel brothers, Saying Again is a son of the good Débandade (AQPS - Le Pontet), winner of the Prix André Boingnières at Auteuil. She has already produced Ladalko (AQPS - Kadalko), exported across the Channel where he has won a Gr2 over hurdles, Oumeyade (AQPS - Smadoun), Gr2 placed over fences in England and Rochdale (AQPS - Vidéo Rock), winner of a "quinté" over hurdles at Auteuil. She also has a yearling by Prince Kirk.

Saturday 2nd January 2010, Pau. Soldatino (AQPS - Graveron) made a very good impression in the €30,000Prix Alfred Torrance Hurdle (4yo Males-AQPS-3500m), when getting the better of his rivals on the flat for an easy win. "He showed class on the flat when he finished second to Sappo, at Paray-Le-Monial", recalled his trainer Loic Manceau. The Peltier representative Santo Conti (AQPS - Dom Alco) took second place. His jockey, David Berra, said afterwards: "He was well prepared and very pleasant to ride. He will toughen up with racing." I third, Sanjaka de Thaix (AQPS - Dom Alco) finished with a good action.

Soldatino was bred by Alexandre Lastrajoli. He is the first produce of his dam, Malory du Chenay (AQPS - Art Sebal), winner on the flat.

Sir du Béarn (AQPS - Passing Sale) was one of trainer Jean-Pierre Totain great hopes for this meeting, and he didn't disappoint when winning the second division of the €30,000 Prix Alfred de Torrance Hurdle (4yo Males-AQPS-3,500m). Quickly on the heels of the leaders, "he didn't look like the winner until the last bend. "He is still a big baby, who will progress a lot", said Gaëtan Olivier. Jean-Pierre Totain had this to say: "He was given a great ride and I liked his action in the finish. He jumps a bit big and will be better in chases. He really is a very good horse." The favourite Sadoum Ludois (AQPS-Smadoun) was not disgraced in second place. Sir du Bearn, is loaned by Valéry Demory and Jean-Pierre Totain and was bred by Eric Prezelin. His dam, Girl du Béarn (AQPS - Sarpedon) was unraced. At stud she has already produced Oural du Béarn (AQPS - Chamberlin), a cross country winner. She is a sister of the classy Elan Béarnais, third in the Grand Prix de Pau 200.

Tuesday 5th Jan 2010, Pau. (www.leblogdeparisturf.com) Hot favourite for the last prep race before the Grand Prix de Pau, Rubi Ball (AQPS-Network) marked his territory in style when dominating without any problems two other 5 year olds, Misérable (Discover d'Auteuil) and Red Matrix (Red Ransom), in the €65,000 Prix Renaud du Vivier Chase(L-5yos+- 4,600m).
Trainer Jacques Ortet and the Papot family were overjoyed at the victory while awaiting the return of the champion in the winner's enclosure. Xavier Papot announced: "We had everything to lose but he didn't disappoint and we will be back here with my parents and my brother on the 24th of January." Christophe Pieux, found the son of Network "a little too relaxed when he found himself in front after the fall of Tino Tino at the big open-ditch."

In just under three weeks, Rubi Ball will reencounter the runners up from this race.Rubi Ball was bred by Jean-Louis Berger and Pierre Duvignand. His dam Hygie (AQPS - AQPS - Network), who returned to stud a few months ago after suffering a tendon injury. She also has a yearling filly and a colt foal, both by Robin des Champs, who have both been acquired by the Papot family. Hygie (Lute Antique) has also produced the good Quecy de Chadzeau (AQPS - Network), who returned to stud a few months ago after suffering a tendon injury. She also has a yearling filly and a colt foal, both by Robin des Champs, who have both been acquired by the Papot family.

Thursday 7th January 2010, PauA very honest filly on the flat, Saphira Mans (AQ - Fragrant Mix) still had to wait until her tenth start in this discipline to find success. This was on the Fibresand of Pau on the 12th of December. Thursday in the €30,000 Prix d'Oloron Hurdle (AQPS-4yo Females-3,500m), she made a winning debut over hurdles. Her trainer, Jean-Luc Pelletan, said afterwards: "On the flat, even though she won, she never showed her full ability. Here she could breathe and has outclassed the rest. She can run without any problems against thoroughbreds." You have been warned.

Monday 11th January 2010, Pau. Quoquo de Chalon (AQPS - Robin des Champs) was the winner of the €26,000 Prix Maurice Fagalde (cross-country - 6yos - 4,100m). He was a winner on his debut in this discipline at the start of the meeting. José-Bruno Gonzalez-Sanchez, who has ridden him on each of his 3 starts this winter, commented: "He is delicate and still has a lot to learn. But on what he has done today he has the right to run in the Grand Cross."
Bred by Bernard Pol and Bernard Touillon, Quoquo de Chalon is a brother of the good Natan (AQPS - Blushing Flame), winner of the Grand Handicap de la Maine and the Prix d'Estruval, when beating Osana.

Prix du Nebouzan (Steeple - AQPS - 4A - 3.700 mètre) , Riz Amer (AQPS - Michel Georges - Elevage FM Cottin) win front of Rebelle de Cotte (AQPS - Ragmar) and Renard (AQPS - Discover d'Auteuil).

Philippe Peltier was surprised but had a big smile on his face. A regular at Pau, he opened to win two races on the opening day at the track with the first time out Ascella (Astair) and his cross country star, Kendo du Montceau (AQPS-Vidéo Rock). In the €32,000  Prix Hubert de Navailles (Cross Country - 5A et plus - 4.600 mètres ) led for a long time alongside Fassilado (Fado) , before being joined at the road crossing by his stable companion Notez Le (AQPS-Saint Preuil) who ended up beating him by a total of 12 lengths in the finish, with the promising Onde de Choc (AQPS-Robin des Champs) taking second place. "Almost all the future runners of the Grand Cross were present today, except for Thou in Gold," confirmed the trainer. "Notez Le will continue the owner, Guy Henrot's, dream of one day winning the Prix Gaston de Bataille au Pont-Long."(Frogsracing.com).

It was a veritable walk in the park for Salornay de Guye (AQPS - Fragrant Mix) in the €15,000  Prix de Lacq (AQPS-3yo Males-2,400m Fibresand) .. who found no one to trouble him. The representative of Emmanuel Clayeux finished 15 lengths ahead of the strong finishing Son de Cloche (AQPS - Bonnet Rouge), who was in last place for a long time and seemed well beaten. Salornay de Guye came back to the flat after having unseated his jockey at the first hurdle on his jumping debut in the Prix Pride of Kildare. He has already won on the flat. He was bred by Gérard and Vincent Delorme in the Saône-et-Loire. He is out of the unraced mare Kasibelle de Guye (AQPS - Scooter Bleu). She has a 2 year old by Ragmar and a yearling by Dom Alco

Beaten on her last run at Angers by the promising Sweeny, Saphira Mans (AQPS - Fragrant Mix) opened her record in the €15,000  Prix de Lacommande (AQPS-3yo Fillies-2,400m Fibresand) . After having led alongside Sara du Maquis (AQPS - Dark Moondancer), Jean-Luc Pelletan's filly was courageous in resisting the strong attack of his rival right to the line. Saphira Mans was bred in Saône-et-Loire by the Delorme family. His dam, Friska du Moulin (Royal Charter), won on the flat and over fences, but her racing career finished prematurely. She has already produced the classy Nidea du Moulin (AQPS- Vidéo Rock), winner over hurdles at Auteuil. She is a sister of Epsilon du Moulin II (AQPS - Persifleur), a useful jumper in Paris before being exported to Italy where he ran and won up until 13 years of age.

With only three runners, the €46,000 Prix Bernard de Dufau Chase (4,000m) was uninteresting in betting terms but gave the opportunity to see some of the contenders for the next Grand Prix de Pau. Trained by the trainer in form since the start of this meeting, Philippe Peltier (6 wins from 3 meetings), the handsome Porto Rico (AQPS - Vidéo Rock) impressed when getting the best of the Ortet runner Will Tonic (Lavirco) and Cleni Girl (Sassanian). After a winning debut at Auteuil he didn't disappoint his connections here: "He always runs well fresh", confirmed Philippe Peltier. "That's why we will now go directly for the Grand Prix on the 24th January.