The three-year-old IBLEO turned many heads when winning comfortably at Compiegne on his second start over hurdles, and there was no shortage of wanabe buyers for the charge of local trainer Philippe Leblanc. Guy Petit finally outbid Charlie Swan at €210,000 and commented:

I've loved him since I saw him win at Compiègne so I came here to buy him and this is what I've just done! He looks like a chaser so this will surely be his sport in the future. He will race for Venetia Williams in the colours of the Belami partnership, which has been very lucky with French horses in the past.

©APRH