On January 5, 2024, at the picturesque Cagnes-sur-Mer racetrack, Ange Pitou delivered an exhilarating performance to clinch victory at the Grande Course de Haies de Cagnes, marking another notable achievement for trainer Josef Vana Jr.
This race, which is held annually and attracts top thoroughbreds, saw Ange Pitou, ridden by Jan Kratochvil, exhibit tenacity and skill as he overtook his rivals close to the finish line. The race unfolded dramatically, with Kratochvil adopting a strategic approach by waiting patiently in fifth position before unleashing his horse's power for the final stretch.
“I am very happy with Ange Pitou's victory,” Kratochvil said, his excitement palpable. “His aptitude for the Cagnes-sur-Mer racetrack was an advantage, and he executed well.” The combination of Kratochvil’s skill and the horse’s training proved pivotal as they crossed the finish line just ahead of Gurzuf, who claimed second place.
Prior to this remarkable win, Ange Pitou had already made his mark on the course with notable finishes, including finishing fifth the previous year. Although he showed potential, this year he surpassed all expectations, securing victory over formidable opponents including Kapteen, who took the third spot. "Ange Pitou is a very good horse whom we have specially sharpened for this Great Hurdle Race. He was really very good," Vana Jr. explained after the race, reflecting on the preparation and hard work put behind this achievement.
The race presented high stakes, with heavy favorites like Karthage and Prince Chop failing to perform as anticipated. Karthage, expected to put on a strong show, finished sixth after running third for much of the race, possibly feeling the impact of the demanding course. Meanwhile, Prince Chop struggled significantly and was unable to compete effectively, highlighting the challenges faced by many leading contenders.
Throughout the race, Kapteen injected additional excitement, leading the pack for significant stretches and showcasing the fierce competition of the day. His third-place finish underscored the competitive nature of this year’s Grande Course de Haies, which was run over 4,300 meters—a long and grueling distance for any horse.
The victory not only adds to the credentials of Ange Pitou but also places Josef Vana Jr. firmly on the map of top trainers at this elite event. This win allows Vana Jr. to celebrate his first success at the Grande Course de Haies de Cagnes and marks a significant milestone in his training career.
The atmosphere following the race was jubilant, with fans and supporters celebrating the triumph. Vana Jr. was seen basking in the glow of victory, often associated with success at Merano and the prestigious Crystal Cup events. This victory solidifies Ange Pitou's reputation as one of the rising stars of the circuit and promises exciting prospects for future races.
With this win, Ange Pitou and his team set the stage for what could be an illustrious career, leaving fans eager to see how this promising horse will fare in upcoming competitions. The legacy of this race will be remembered not only for the victory itself but for the hard work and strategy employed by Kratochvil and Vana Jr., who epitomize the dedication and skill required to excel at this level.
The Grande Course de Haies de Cagnes serves as more than just another race on the calendar; it is a showcase of talent, determination, and the joyous unpredictability of horse racing. Every year, spectators and participants alike gather to witness these incredible athletes compete, and this year certainly provided drama and inspiration to many.
Looking forward, following this success, the horizon seems bright for both Ange Pitou and his connections, as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities awaiting them on the racing circuit. The excitement surrounding this year’s victory is likely to propel them to even greater achievements as they set their ambitions higher.