Second Gr.1 chase victory for Planteur’s Gran Diose

The tough and consistent son of Planteur, Gran Diose, won a second Gr.1 chase in landing the Gr.1 Prix La Haye Jousselin at Auteuil today.

He was following up his victory in the Grade 1 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris earlier this year, for trainer Louisa Carberry and owner/breeders Luc Monnet and Frederic Hinderze.

The usual jockey of Gran Diose, Clément Lefebvre was unable to ride him due to an injured shoulder and it was therefore Thomas Beaurain who replaced him. He rode it to perfection by settling in third position, before pulling away at the open-ditch and widening the gap in the final turn winning by a comfortable five lengths.

The eight-year-old has now won or been placed in an impressive 12 Stakes races over jumps and won £1.2m, making him the highest-earning chaser in France.

His other races include a Grade 2 double with victories in the Gr.2 Prix Georges Courtois and Gr.2 Grand Steeple-Chase de Compiegne, plus success in the Gr.3 Prix Romati Chase (pictured) and the Listed Prix Solitaire Chase all at Compiegne.

Trainer Louisa Carberry said: “I’m so proud of him, it’s amazing. He is the most beautiful horse and it’s a pleasure to train him. I’ve always believed this horse is something special. I think a few people didn’t give him the respect he deserves after his Grand-Steeple win and leading up to this race, but he can’t read the newspapers.”

He is a half-brother to the Gr.3-winning chaser Canichette (Prince Gibraltar) and out of a half-sister to the Listed-placed hurdler Arenui (Masterstroke). The second dam is the Listed Prix d’Iena Hurdle third Vavea (Saint Des Saints), and the family extends to the Italian Listed Flat winner Crissomou (Crystal Palace).

Gran Diose is Planteur’s best runner over jumps and hopefully one of many more to come. Over hurdles Planteur has also sired Gr.2 Premio Criterium di Primavera Hurdle winner Edidindo, and on the Flat the outstanding Champion Stayer and triple Gr.1 winner Trueshan.