Auteuil, France – September 9, 2025 – A dramatic afternoon of racing at Auteuil saw upsets and strong performances as horses return to form following the back-to-school period for competitors.Nador dominated the Weather Permitting Prize, clocking the fastest time in the test for 35 years, while Lotus Vert overcame multiple faults to win the Prix des Platanes.
Trainer Noel George enjoyed earlier success with Hamandio winning the quinté, and nearly added the Prix des Platanes to his tally with The Mighty Celt, but the horse was bested by Lotus Vert. Despite several errors, including at the last hedge, Lotus Vert repeatedly recovered to secure his first victory, delighting owner Xavier Papot. “we wondered after his first three outings. There had been good – his second race – and at least good.He wins this Tuesday and reassures us. It is still a horse that has only an action in my opinion. So, his ability to restart despite the faults is comforting. He pleasantly surprised me on this point. There are imperfections and that makes this victory very fascinating. Not the preparation and form state of each competitor in this race which marked a back to school for everyone,” Papot stated.
In the Weather Permitting Prize, Mystik d’Engilbert finished a promising second behind Nador. Co-trainer Hector de Lagenste expressed satisfaction with the performance, noting the fast track and strong pace. ”The track was fast, there was a lot of rhythm, it was not necessarily to serve us. Tho, the performance is good. The horse runs very well. It was a real race today, with an opposition raised, but it was not a goal. The horse laid its milestones and will continue its way to group I. Because we always have the goal of preparing it to compete in the top of its shape.”
