Peake on top of the world after Kaadam produces perfect display in Prix Maurice Gillois

Kaadam fulfilled the dreams of British owners Andy Peake and Simon Macauley when sprinting clear of his rivals to justify heavy favouritsm in the Grade 1 Prix Maurice Gillois, announcing himself as the best young chaser in France. 

Expectations for Kaadam were sky-high following a 20-length demolition of his peers in the main trial last month, earning himself a higher rating than Il Est Francais or any of the other established senior chasers in France, despite being restricted to racing against his own age group of four-year-olds. 

Peake praised jockey Gaetan Masure for a sure steer which favoured safety over trying to run his opposition into the ground.

"After what he did last time you thought he might win by a distance but he was travelling supremely well and at no point during the race was I concerned," said Peake. "But you've got to jump the fences and the ride was textbook. 

Gaetan Masure and Kaadam after winning the Prix Maurice GilloisCredit: Racing Post/Burton

"The way Gaetan manoeuvres him in a race; he pulls him out at the big water jump. It was amazing."

Peake, who along with Macauley bought a half share in the Arnaud Chaille-Chaille prospect in the spring, added: "It's a privilege and a pleasure. Mick Fitzgerald once talked about the best ten minutes of his life being the Grand National. I've had three children so I can't say this is the best thing but its unbelievable."

Kentucky Wood stayed on to be second, while Kolokico, the winner of the Spring Grade 1 for four-year-olds, was run down by Royal Saga in the race for third. 

Sain D'Esprit edges out Nietzsche Has 

Francois Nicolle hit the bar on a number of occasions on day one of this meeting but the reigning champion trainer was back in the Grade 1 winner's enclosure on Sunday when Sain D'Esprit and Angelo Zuliani got the better of Nietzsche Has at the end of a battle up the Auteuil straight to claim the crown as the best three-year-old hurdler in France in the Prix Cambaceres.

Sain D'Esprit and Angelo Zuliani return after winning the G1 Prix Cambaceres

"I told everyone I would win the Cambaceres three weeks ago and now it's done." said Nicolle. "He's a machine, he can follow any pace and he goes on all types of ground. He jumped flawlessly and Angelo rode a beautiful race, much more forward which was just what I asked him to do. 

"He's a big horse and I think he'll make an even better chaser. We'll give him a nice break now and you'll see him next year. I don't know yet if we'll stay over hurdles for now but his future is over fences."

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