Gold Cup day winner at Auteuil!

Posted May 21, 2025

It had been a target of mine to have bought a winner on Grand Steeple weekend at Auteuil this year and I claimed Hamandio at the track a month ago, with the aim of winning a valuable handicap hurdle on the French Gold Cup card before heading to Nick Alexander.

Thankfully, the plan worked out perfectly! Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm have done a wonderful job with the horse in a limited space of time, producing him in exceptional shape on his first start in the colours of Kit Alexander. Sent into the lead before halfway, he jumped beautifully under James Reveley and came home well clear, winning by 5L, with a further 7L to the third.

He could run back quickly in the €62,000 handicap hurdle back at Auteuil on the 31st – he has been given an entry and we will assess the race before making a decision on plans. Many congratulations to his owner and family, who were present at Auteuil for what was a fantastic day’s racing.

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.