Mensen de la Mer!
Mon 22 Aug 2022
WINNER 95 OF 2022: MENSEN ERNST, trained by Simone Brogi and ridden by Mlle Anaelle Mekouche: 'The Prix Sandrine Boisnier' over 2,600m at Hippodrome Marin, Plouescat.
A beach side away day this time! Every year in Plouescat, the beach is transformed into a racetrack for a 2-day meeting. The date of the event is chosen from one year to the next according to the tides in the August calendar. You need the lowest possible tides, so that Kernic Bay, which is an almost closed bay, remains completely uncovered for the two days of racing. Stands are erected and the beack turns into a festival style occasion, which is always popular and has been taking place since the end of the 19th Century.
The course is marked out as 20m wide and a circuit of 1,000 metres in length. Mensen's race was 2,600m, so twice past the winning post.
Anaelle has ridden him before, but this was his first run with the sandy underfoot conditions. At the off, he was towards the rear, but soon settled in mid-division. On the final circuit, he began to chase down the leaders, taking 3rd and then 2nd as they came to the final bend. In the home straight, he took the lead and strode away to win by a length.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.france-galop.com/en/racing/detail/2022/P/OFFxS2NRUTZxRzFqZi96enp3Q0k5QT09
A stunning 14th win and he has now passed €155,000 of prize money and French owner premiums earned for his fortunate owners.
Syndicate manager Tim says: "He is certainly worthy of his membership into the Middleham Park 'legends' team. Four wins in a row is superb, but to think that this is his 14th career win, is amazing. Congratulations to his syndicate and well done to Simone and his team - great placement and training to keep him sweet and enjoying his racing."