Auteuil

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Nicholls is not going to send his horses there this year after really ripping into the ground stating it was heavy and firm in different areas. Also mentioned that the ground itself was in a poor state - all cut up. Martin (Irish Stamp) you are our French expert or follower...a fair assessment?
 
Fair enough assessment it is in desperate need of at least sorting out in some way though I'm not certain aside from attempting to improve drainage or ammending the schedule (ie. they race from March to June and then from September to the end of November at least once a week) they can do much about it. They'd need to close the course as mentioned in the RP yesterday and the only other option for the big races would be Enghien which as nice a course as it is - it's very British in terms of style and layout it's not got the uniqueness that comes through when watching jumping at Auteuil.

He may well dislike the ground and the conditions but it's not hindered the careers of many of his stars (or stopped him attempting to buy Buck's Boum on the trip he went on the other week).

Tbh I've not seen the "firm" bits that Nicholls refers to but the straight isn't exactly known for draining well and the bend does cut up - particularly on the Chase course as it seems for most races they'll run around it at least once in either direction (a small loop to the Bullfinch and Oxer followed by a larger loop of the outside course).
 
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