Louisa Carberry’s eight-year-old star, Gran Diose, delivered a commanding performance in the Prix la Haye Jousselin, setting his sights on defending his Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris title next year.
Gran Diose, who claimed France's most prestigious jumps race in May, returned this season with a fourth-place finish in the Prix Heros XII. He then stepped up to dominate the Prix la Haye Jousselin at Auteuil, underlining his growing stature. Partnered by jockey Thomas Beaurain, Gran Diose showcased impeccable jumping and cruised to a five-length victory. Meanwhile, his anticipated rival Il Est Francais faltered, being pulled up mid-race.
Carberry expressed immense pride in her charge’s polished display:
“He didn’t put a foot wrong—it was a joy to watch. He deserved more credit than he’d been given, and he showed just how good he is in one of the best Grade Ones France has seen in years.”
The race featured five Grade One winners, but Gran Diose proved a class apart, further cementing his reputation as a standout in Carberry’s stable.
Carberry highlighted the horse’s late maturity, attributing his peak form this year to his imposing size and stature:
“He’s 18 hands, a classic model of an old-fashioned jumper—big ears, kind eyes, strong limbs. He’s reached full maturity and is in the form of his life.”
With his recent victory, Gran Diose’s campaign will now focus on a Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris title defence, ruling out potential appearances in Britain. Carberry confirmed a lighter schedule to preserve his peak for the May showpiece.
“I suspect we’ll give him a break and aim for the Grand Steep, with maybe one or two prep runs. He has the ability to excel in England, but the owners are committed to prioritising France, and they’ve been proven right.”
Gran Diose’s latest triumph solidifies his position as a worthy successor to Carberry’s previous flagbearer, Docteur De Ballon, who captured back-to-back Grand Steeple titles in 2020 and 2021. As his trainer and team look ahead, Gran Diose remains the horse to beat on the French jumps circuit.