
Winner of the Prix Renaud du Vivier, the final highlight of the season in the temple of obstacle racing, François Nicolle’s resident allowed the French pole vaulter, who owns 10% of the horse, to shine for the first time at the highest level.
“The best has won.” François Nicolle does not mince his words in analyzing the overwhelming victory of his new nugget Kingland, in the Prix Renaud du Vivier. The last Group I of the season over jumps at Auteuil (Paris XVIe) did not escape his big favorite, who confirmed his rise, by shining for the first time at the highest level.
“He converted the try,” says his jockey, Kévin Nabet, delighted to find the path to success in Group Is. He has turned a corner from spring to autumn. Today, he did not consume during the race. In the line opposite, he took his ease and then was excellent in winning. » The brother of the excellent Figuéro, winner of the Prix la Haye Jousselin (Group I) in 2022, brings a fourth victory in this competition to the Royan trainer, and joins L’Autonomie and De Bon Cœur on the list of winners.
While Kévin Nabet’s partner was obviously the major player in this victory, the spotlight was also on one of his owners, Renaud Lavillenie. Accustomed to podiums, the French pole vaulter was on cloud nine. “I am very happy because I am aware of the progress I have made since I embarked on this adventure,” confided the Olympic pole vault champion in 2012 in London. I had no certainty but I trusted the Cyprès family, the horse’s breeder. »
“The level of excitement is the same”
And this confidence was realized this Sunday in the temple of the obstacle, placing the French athlete once again at the top of the discipline in which he participates. “I am an associate owner and only own 10%,” he explains. “But whatever the percentage, the emotion is the same. I am at full throttle. The level of excitement is the same as during my competitions and I can assure you that the cardio was very high during the race.” This excitement should continue for all of Kingland’s entourage, because the 2025 season promises to be thrilling.
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