Prix Serge Landon - Grand Prix d’Automne Hurdle (Grade 1)

THE star performer from the big jumps weekend in Auteuil last week was Theleme, winner last season of the Grade 1 Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (French Champion Hurdle).

The six-year-old, trained by Arnaud Chaille-Chaille for Yorkshire owners, JDG Bloodstock Services, the late Jim Gordon’s family, was winning this €390,000 Grade 1 Prix Serge Landon - Grand Prix d’Automne Hurdle race for the second time, with Gaetan Masure on board.

The son of Sidestep, who was favourite at 3/10 to retain his crown and moved alongside Ine Anjou midway down the back straight. Ine Anjo was in contention until the last hurdle.

But the favourite pulled away to win with ease by 10 lengths, with Ine Anjou second and Vae Patron, third, four lengths behind.

This was Thélème’s fifth Group 1 victory and connections have the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in March as his aim. He was cut to joint-favourite alongside Teahupoo by many layers. Bertrand Le Metayer who manages the owner’s interests told reporters: “Arnaud will plan his preparations and I’m not sure he’ll race over British-style hurdles before he travels over.”