By Barry McEneaney
Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's Al Shaqab Racing organisation has purchased a 50% stake in possible Prix de l‘Arc de Triomphe contender Ectot ahead of his eagerly-anticipated return in Sunday’s Prix Niel at Longchamp.
Undefeated in his last five starts, Ectot suffered his only reversal on his racecourse debut when he finished second behind subsequent Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) winner Karakontie.
Despite his impressive record, the son of Hurricane Run heads to the Bois de Boulogne for the Group Two contest over the same course and distance as the Arc as something of a forgotten horse, by virtue of his lengthy absence.
Elie Lellouche’s charge made a winning seasonal reappearance in the Prix de Fontainbleau in April, reversing juvenile form with Karakontie, but his Classic campaign was subsequently scuppered by an undisclosed injury which was described as minor in nature.
Ectot returned to Longchamp for a racecourse gallop under regular pilot Gregory Benoist last Monday.
Last season, Al Shaqab Racing swooped for Treve after the daughter of Motivator set a course record in winning the Prix de Diane (French Oaks). Criquette Head-Maarek’s filly went on to capture the Prix Vermeille on Arc trials day before delivering a breathtaking performance to triumph in the big race itself.
Treve has been promoted to favouritism to defend her crown in the wake of Sea The Moon’s surprise defeat at Baden-Baden on Sunday, while Ectot has also been supported in the ante-post market in recent days ahead of his comeback.
Speaking on behalf of Ectot’s original owners Gerard Augustin-Normand and Elisabeth Vidal, racing manager Sylvain Vidal told French publication Jour de Galop: “We are very pleased and honoured to be partner of Al Shaqab Racing.
“Ectot will continue his career with Elie Lellouche. Then when it is completed, he will stand at Haras de Bouquetot in partnership with Haras La Cauviniere.”
