Theleme Primed for Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival

French racing sensation, Theleme, is set to switch codes and return to the Flat next month as part of its preparation for the highly-anticipated Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. With an impressive track record in his homeland, including five Grade One victories such as the French Champion Hurdle and back-to-back wins in the Grand Prix d’Automne at Auteuil, this Arnaud Chaille-Chaille-trained gelding is ready to conquer new challenges.

Having enjoyed a well-deserved winter break after his most recent triumph in November’s Grand Prix d’Automne, Theleme’s options were limited for alternative races. As a result, he will participate in a single Flat race on February 23 before heading straight to Cheltenham. Despite being less than ideal due to lack of prep races available, Bertrand Le Metayer – racing manager for Leeds-based owners the Gordon family – expressed confidence in this unconventional approach.

“Cheltenham is very much our plan,” said Le Metayer. “We only have one suitable Flat race that suits him as a prep run before that time. It may not be perfect according to conventional standards but given how rigid the French system is when it comes to running horses on both sides of the Channel, we had no other choice.”

The decision was made considering Thelemes’s previous success and excellent condition following his well-deserved break. Reflecting on their strategy, Le Metayer said, “The horse has just won a Grade One race. We gave him some time off afterward and he looks absolutely magnificent now.”

In an effort to expose Theleme to the pace of Cheltenham, he will participate in a Flat race at Tarbes next month. This particular race takes place on a nice, big oval track with soft ground conditions – perfect for getting him accustomed to the required rhythm. According to Le Metayer, hurdle races at Auteuil are typically more tactical in nature compared to the challenges faced at Cheltenham.

“The Flat race is really meant as a warm-up,” Le Metayer explained. “We only have a short period of time to get him ready and we don’t want to push too hard. He’s been back in training for only three weeks now but luckily we still have five weeks until the Flat race. It will give us an opportunity to assess his performance over English hurdles before taking him straight into Cheltenham.”

If all goes well, Theleme could become the first French-trained winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle since Baracouda’s consecutive victories back in 2002 and 2003. However, Le Metayer acknowledges that comparing these two great horses can be challenging due to differences in training approaches and performances on British soil.

Recalling conversations with renowned trainer Francois Doumen about Baracouda’s journey towards success at Cheltenham, Lemétaye shared insights into their unique approach: “Baracouda wasn’t as dominant in France as he was when competing in Britain – winning several prestigious races including Long Walk Hurdles and Ascot Hurdles.”

Explaining their decision-making process behind selecting the Stayers’ Hurdle over other options such as French Champion Hurdle prep races, Le Metayer said, “The French system requires carrying top-weight in these prep races, which we don’t prefer. Hence, sending Theleme to Cheltenham where he can race on level weights seemed like a more strategic choice. Additionally, it allows the Gordon family to experience the atmosphere of Cheltenham.”

Le Metayer also highlighted the brilliance and potential of Theleme: “He is an amazing horse with a wonderful mindset. There’s no doubt about his ability and talent.” Nevertheless, preparing him for Cheltenham this year has proven to be a bit more complex due to various factors.

“This year is particularly challenging since it’s our first time taking this route. In addition, Theleme will have only had three runs on the Flat before heading into Cheltenham next year. By then, he will have established a handicap mark that opens up other possibilities,” Le Metayer concluded.