Nick Williams: trainer gets among the winners at Auteuil on Monday
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)Urbain seals stylish Auteuil win for Williams
Report: Monday, France
Auteuil: Prix Miror (Listed hurdle) 2m2f, 4yo
WHAT could be a big week for British and Irish-trained horses at Auteuil got off to the best possible start as Urbain De Sivola (Nick Williams/James Reveley) defeated a classy line up in this €85,000 contest.
Settled by Reveley just behind one of his more fancied rivals Swedish, Urbain De Sivola moved up powerfully half way down the back straight.
Reveley steered a course up the far rail in the straight and having fought off the attentions of favourite Defi D'Anjou, had enough in hand to repel Prinesse Kap from across the width of the track, scoring by two and a half lengths.
Urbain De Sivola finished 11th In the JCB Triumph hurdle before coming home fourth on his first try at Auteuil back in April - an invaluable experience according to Reveley.
"He barely jumped a hurdle last time but he's pinged nearly every one today and that's made the difference," he said.
Reveley is a frequent visitor to France and was quick to point out the value of the form.
"It was a very good race, the Grade 1 [Prix Alain du Breil] is next Sunday and a lot of these horses could have gone for that but have dodged it for an easier option," he explained. "Hopefully he'll have a break now and then come back and win another nice race in the autumn."
Five horses from Britain and Ireland are entered in the French Champion Hurdle [Grande Course de Haies] at the track on Sunday, with the next forfeit stage on Wednesday.
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