3 minute read
G1 Review: Prix de Paris Marathon Race.
| Date | Sunday 27 February 2022 |
| Venue | Vincennes |
| Race | R4 – G1 Prix de Paris Marathon Race (4150m) |
| Type | International driven walk up for four- to eleven-year-olds |
| Winner | Diable de Vauvert |
| Driver | Tony Le Beller |
| Trainer | Bertrand Le Beller |
| Breeding | Prince d'Espace x Pop Star |
| Second | Etonnant |
| Third | Galius |
It was a memorable day for the Le Beller family as Diable De Vauvert reversed form with Etonnant from twelve months ago to win the G1 Prix de Paris Marathon Race (4150m), despite looking unlikely in the final 100m.
Anthony Barrier on Etonnant was keen to secure the lead at the beginning of the marathon with two circuits of the outer course ahead of the field. Last year's champion took up the pace setting duties after 200m and set an average tempo for the journey in the opening stages.
G1 Prix d'Amérique Legend Race (2700m) winner Davidson du Pont made a bold move at the end of the back straight for the first time gaining the front, increasing the pace turning for home. At this stage, Diable de Vauvert was held up towards the rear of the group. At the same time, there was a collision between Falcao de Laurma and Fakir du Lorault which hindered both of their chances.
At halfway there was a change with both Ampia Mede Sm, Galius and Chica de Joudes battling for the lead. Chica de Joudes stretched clear with a lap to go before Etonnant quickly responded. The four constantly exchanged the leadership throughout the final 1600m. Meanwhile Tony Le Beller was gradually creeping closer driving Diable de Vauvert, taking fifth position down the back straight for the final time.
Only ten lengths covered the group with the runners well packed together throughout the final circuit. The well-supported Ampia Mede Sm struggled with traffic problems at the 800m and became boxed in whilst Galius raced with an awkward head carriage.
Diable de Vauvert's most notable move in the event came turning into the home straight, going three wide to take second, hunting down the leader four lengths off. Galius was tiring and last year's G1 Prix de Paris Marathon Race (4150m) winner Etonnant was finishing strongly. Diable de Vauvert struggled to pick up at first and drifted towards the grandstand, but Tony Le Beller was able to galvanise the nine-year-old and he responded late in the final 50m with a sudden burst to sweep past and snatch glory.
Driver, Tony Le Beller, delivered his first Group One win in France, and it was a first Group One success for trainer Bertrand Le Beller. This contest was set as a main target at the start of the season by connections following a long-term plan that paid off.