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Racing

French banker of the day – 20th January 2026

Tuesday’s French banker comes from Pau with a promising four-year-old running second up over hurdles.


Goujon Bleu (Bertrand Lestrade / François Nicolle)

Pau – Race 5 - Prix de la Chalosse (Class 3 Hurdle)

There is lots to like on paper about the chances of Goujon Bleu getting off the mark second time out.

A promising runner-up over this course and distance five weeks ago, Goujon Bleu posted a performance full of promise that day, only fading late in the closing stages to go down by a length.

The form has since taken a boost with the third-place horse Mathusalem winning since in impressive style, while he shaped as though that initial experience would do him the world of good.

Jockey Bertrand Lestrade has been in good form with a 20% strike rate from his last 50 rides and Goujon Bleu represents the top yard of François Nicolle, who also arrives with his horses in good order having saddled a double on Sunday at the track. The stable has also enjoyed previous success in this contest with Le Merlot finishing second in 2024 and La Marche Bleue winning in 2023.

Running in the famous Patrick Papot silks, Goujon Bleu has the pedigree to match being by Kapgarde and out of the Grade 1-placed chaser Sainte Turgeon. There should be plenty more to come from this unexposed four-year-old and natural progression ought to see him off the mark second up.


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