Theleme provides emotional win for Gordon family after rival's freak unseat

The battle for the crown of champion four-year-old hurdler had been built up as a match to savour and, while Bertrand Lestrade's freak unseat from Hermes Baie on the flat meant the duel failed to materialise, that made little difference to the emotional entourage surrounding the winner.

A year ago Theleme won the Grade 1 Prix Cambaceres just three days before the death of his owner, Yorkshire-based Jim Gordon.

Twelve months on his three children, Stuart, Helen and Lisa, were on hand to celebrate their father's memory as Theleme and jockey Pierre Dubourg were led back into the Auteuil winners' enclosure after another Grade 1 triumph in the Prix Renaud du Vivier.

"It's a year after his passing, the sun is out shining, it was a bit of an omen, it’s a lovely win," said Stuart Gordon, while sister Lisa added: "We used to come to France a lot with him, with the grandkids as well, so we've got some very fond memories. We wanted to keep something going and he loved it so much, it was his life really."

Before his death at the age of 77, Gordon was an owner with James Ewart and Nigel Tinkler but it was at Auteuil in partnership with Arnaud Chaille-Chaille that he enjoyed some of his greatest wins with Beaumec De Houelle and Bonito Du Berlais.

Stuart Gordon recalled: "Bonito Du Berlais had won eight times on the trot and then we came over as a family with the grandchildren and he came fourth. We weren't invited after that!"

Sunday's race changed in an instant as the field ran past the water jump in front of the stands, as Hermes Baie appeared to jink to his right, leaving Lestrade with little chance of staying aboard.

Theleme flanked by jubilant members of the Gordon family after his success in the Grade 1 Prix Renaud du Vivier at Auteuil

Lestrade said: "I didn't want it to turn into a sprint but he hasn't much experience of being in front like that and I think he was frightened by the winning post."

Chaille-Chaille is already looking forward to the pair meeting again after Theleme coasted to an eight-length success over Colbert Du Berlais.

"We'll see which one is the best next year I hope," said Chaille-Chaille. "They're two very good horses and I hope they'll both get to the Grande Course de Haies."

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