French Grand National the target for Arqana purchase Kidnappeur

Posted January 21, 2026

Arqana Autumn Sale purchase Kidnappeur took his first steps towards a tilt at the French Grand National in April when third in a highly-competitive Quinte handicap chase at Pau yesterday.

Running in the joint-ownership of Sangwin Bloodstock and leading French owner/breeder Haras de Saint-Voir, the six year old son of Saint Des Saints ran a fine race on his first start for trainer Hugo Merienne, jumping proficiently and just looking to get a little tired on his first run back.

The race was run over the same trip as the Prix du Président de la République, which is the most valuable handicap chase in France and is considered the French equivalent of the Grand National. With a strong body of form around Auteuil, Kidnappeur looks an obvious contender for the Grade 3 prize and will be following a similar path to last year’s winner Doctor Kaleo, who had also started off his season with a third in a Pau handicap chase.

We’ll most likely look to give him a prep run in March and then hope for a very big run in Paris on Sunday 19th April!

Nathaniel Barnett

With over 350 winners to date, Nathaniel has a proven record of success under both codes. Nathaniel specialises in finding young, unexposed National Hunt and Flat horses in France to suit all budgets, focusing on achieving the best results and outstanding value for his clients.