Provence Racing’s owners had a great time in the south of France when the country’s jump racing focus turned on Cagnes-sur-Mer either side of Christmas.
The stunning course is nestled right on the coast among the palm trees and is located between the wonderful tourist destinations of Nice and Antibes.
Our owners enjoyed some truly superb food in the panoramic restaurant while watching the racing. The quality and cost really did put British racecourse food to shame.
Sadly, we didn’t enjoy such good fortune on the course. The plan was for Gentleman Valley to run most weeks while stabled on the track but his fall at the first hurdle on the opening day of the Festival put the kybosh on that schedule. He returned to run twice in the New Year but, frustratingly, he was forced to compete in a hot €110,000 in the first of those races and it rained for the first time in weeks the day before his second outing turning the ground unsuitably soft.
We had aimed Karl Philippe at the big chase on the final weekend of the festival with hopes high he would be very competitive. Unfortunately, we had the shelves those plans when he knocked himself in his prep race.
We’re due much better luck and, if we can find the right horse for the sharp Cote d’Azur track, we’d love to return next winter. After all, what is not to like about the warm weather, delightful surroundings and superb atmosphere.
