GRANDE COURSE DE

HAIES D’AUTEUIL

(HURDLE) (GRADE 1)

THE Willie Mullins-trained Un De Sceaux (11/10 favourite) could only manage sixth place in the other Grade 1, the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil, which went to the Paul Nicholls-trained long shot (19/1) Ptit Zig and Sam Twiston-Davies.

In the end, the result was all down to stamina and clearly neither Un De Sceaux, with Ruby Walsh on board, nor the well-fancied Blue Dragon stayed the three miles, one and a half furlongs trip, whereas Ptit Zig was putting in his best work at the finish.

From the off, Un De Sceaux and Blue Dragon filled the first two places and swapped the lead on occasions.

Running down the back straight for the last time, Blue Dragon took over and had a decent advantage coming into the straight where Un De Sceaux was tying-up.

Meanwhile, in the pack behind, Ptit Zig was under pressure but advancing and very much in touch at the last.

He took the advantage on the flat with 100 yards left to run and held off Alex De Larredya who snatched second place off Blue Dragon in the final strides.

Then came Lizzie Kelly on Aubusson, Bosseur, Un De Sceaux (clumsy at the last) and Thousand Stars.

Mullins’ other runner Whiteout made a hash of the second and pulled up shortly afterwards.

Ptit Zig was winning his second Grade 1 race at Auteuil as he was first past the post in the Prix Renaud du Vivier in November 2013. Nicholls was severely critical of the Auteuil ground a few years ago but success at the Mecca of French jumping must have changed his mind.

He said: “We’ve been aiming at this race and were sure Ptit Zig would stay. Blue Dragon and Un De Sceaux battled it out in front and the question was whether they’d stay the distance. If they didn’t, my horse would come and catch them and that’s exactly what happened.

“The blinkers kept his mind on the job and we are going to keep Ptit Zig over hurdles in the future and come back here in November (Grand Prix d’Automne).

“Sam (winning his first graded race in France) gave him an exceptional ride and I love coming over to Auteuil.”

Back at his Co Carlow base last Monday, Mullins commented: “Un De Sceaux ran too free on the day. He and Blue Dragon were very keen and their jockeys did their best to restrain them.

“I think he will come back in trip now. ”

“Katie gave Thousand Stars a nice ride and he was in the money, ” he continued.