Holdthasigreen Secures Top-Flight Success in Royal Oak
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Photo: John Gilmore
Holdthasigreen wins the Prix Royal-Oak at Chantilly
Holdthasigreen capped a fine year by securing a first top-flight success in a race that changed complexion when Flag of Honour veered violently on the turn away from the stands, almost carrying out the previously unbeaten Brundtland, in the Oct. 28 Prix Royal-Oak at Chantilly.
Both rallied to pose some form of challenge in the straight, but it was Holdthasigreen that, presented with the lead under Tony Piccone, rallied to hold off Called To The Bar and Morgan Le Faye.
Jean Gilbert, owner-breeder of Holdthasigreen, said: "It's exceptional for the horse, and, of course, for small breeders and a small trainer (Bruno Audouin). We always believed in him, and there was no reason not to, but it's fabulous to do this with friends and family.
"I thought he'd win the Cadran, and I was a bit surprised the way he ran, but these things happen. There was no reason not to come on for the Royal-Oak. He certainly prefers Chantilly to Longchamp, so the change of venue for this race was a bonus for us."
Charlie Appleby, whose Brundtland finished a staying-on fourth, said: "William (Buick) said what happened with Flag of Honour potentially cost us the race. We had to make up a lot of ground to get back into it. He's run a great race, and staying will be his forte next year."
Pia Brandt was another left to consider what might have been after Called To The Bar was left at the back of a strung-out field before charging home to go down by three-quarters of a length.
"It was an extraordinary race, and he has come second because the other horse (Holdthasigreen) was left in a better position after the incident," said a philosophical Brandt.
"We'll look at the good races for stayers next year, and maybe he could be stretched out a bit further. It would be a great challenge to win the Ascot Gold Cup (G1)."
Reviewing the run of Flag of Honour, trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He was spooked crossing the road. He'd probably never crossed a road like that."
Holdthasigreen is a son of Kentucky-bred Hold That Tiger.