'I immediately jumped in my car and made a deal straight away!'

When Bravemansgame landed the Challow Hurdle at Newbury he earned the loftiest of praise from trainer Paul Nicholls - a favourable comparison with the great Denman. It is all music to the ears of Belgian vet Bernard Stoffel, who not only jointly bred the six-year-old but could yet see a transformation in the career of Bravemansgame's sire Brave Mansonnien. Stoffel has been standing him at Haras de Talma in the north-east of France to little commercial success so far.

When and how did you get involved with Brave Mansonnien?

That's a very strange story - it was a rare opportunity and maybe a sign from the gods! I am an equine vet and in the winter of 2012-13 I was on a tour in Normandy to visit some clients.