PRIX ALAIN DU BREIL

– COURSE DE HAIES

D’ETE DES QUATRE ANS

(GRADE 1)

DE Bon Coeur had the Alain du Breil at her mercy having made much of the running. Jockey James Reveley had the luxury of a peep between his legs on entering the straight and then the daughter of Vision D’Etat made a complete hash of the second last and dumped her partner on the ground which left Prince Ali at the head of affairs.

He jumped the last in the lead and then held off the determined challenge of Bapaume and Ruby Walsh by half a length. The Mullins stablemate Dandy Mag made some late progress with Paul Townend and was a further four and a half lengths away third.

Prince Ali was giving Guillaume Macaire his first success in the Alain du Breil and Kevin Nabet was landing his first Grade 1 race.

Anthony Bromley manages the jumpers owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. He reported: “After Prince Ali won the Prix Questarabad, we had to decide to run him in steeplechases or let him take his chance in this race. Guillaume chose this race and we won, with a little bit of luck.

“Prince Ali just had enough in reserve to hold off the runner-up. We were really only thinking about second before the race. It’s probable he will go steeplechasing in the autumn.”

Mullins said: “Bapaume was a little unlucky when De Bon Coeur fell and he also lost a shoe. Second place was what we expected before the race. We’re also happy with Dandy Mag. He’s improving all the time. The winner is certainly a tough horse.”

It was not a good day for Francois Nicolle, who confirmed that, but for a slightly bloody nose, Du Bon Coeur was none the worse for wear after the race.