Pools' French connection basks in Deauville sunshine
In a thrilling contest up the Deauville straight, the top three elects lived up to experts' opinion to make up the tierce in the €73,200 (S$110,000) contest, with second fancy ($16) Beauvatier (Alexis Pouchin) rolling favourite Tribalist (Mickael Barzalona), who led at a steady clip from the outset.
Third choice, and one of two UK raiders in the eight-horse field, Spycatcher (Sam James) stormed home from the rear but had to settle for second, edging a gallant Tribalist by a neck. The other English contender Toyotomi (Maxime Guyon) ran fourth.
As the popular result was celebrated with more champagne from the local Normandy terroir, Singapore Pools was also the toast of the Hippodrome de Deauville at the prize presentation area.
The Singapore gaming company's French counterpart, Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) and France Galop were hosting a small Pools delegation led by its chairman KaiS.Nargolwala, chief product officer Simon Leong and product planning and development manager Fu Juncong.
While Pools has been broadcasting French races since 2008, it is the first time that one was named in its honour, as has been the trend set in places like South Korea, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia and Hong Kong in the last couple of years.
"Our horse racing fans were able to enjoy the broadcast of French racing since 2008," said Leong.
"The continued partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) and France Galop marks a meaningful step in deepening international collaboration and enriching the racing experience for our customers.
"The inaugural Singapore Pools Trophy at Deauville stands as a testament to the strength of our relationship and our shared ambition to grow the sport globally."
PMU international director Aymeric Verlet was equally pleased for the opportunity to expose its Singapore partner to a slice of French racing on their own soil.
"We are delighted to see our longstanding partner, having the Prix de Ris-Orangis named under Singapore Pools during this Deauville summer meeting," said Verlet.
"This collaboration reflects the strength and longevity of our international relationships, as well as the growing appeal of French racing abroad. It is a great recognition of the quality of our racing offering and an excellent opportunity for racing enthusiasts, both in France and in Singapore."
Winning trainer Yann Barberot was pleased with Beauvatier's second Group win since the Group 3 Prix La Rochette (1,400m) in 2023.
"Today, he showed his speed, but also a powerful finish. We'll look after him, especially after a tough 3YO campaign," said Barberot.
With the Prix de Ris-Orangis slated as Race 2, a greater time was to be had by all later in the hot summer day, more so at the meeting's highlight, the Prix Jean Prat.
The Group 1 (1,400m) race saw $70 shot Woodshauna (Christophe Soumillon) salute for in-form trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.
manyan@sph.com.sg
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