Paul Nicholls, a seasoned jockey, believes the five-year-old Caliph du Berlay has a promising future and plans to be patient with him this season. After an impressive novice chasing season in France, which included three wins and a Grade 1 victory at Aintree, there were high hopes he could be a strong contender in this year’s Champion Chase.
However, his disappointing return at Exeter, which Nicholls suspects wasn’t a true reflection of the horse’s potential, led the trainer to take a cautious approach. Nicholls expressed uncertainty about racing him in the upcoming Christmas events, including the Gold Cup, as he doesn’t want to push him too hard too soon.
Nicholls acknowledged the challenges of this year’s racing calendar, noting a lack of intermediate chasers in the country, which forces horses like Caliph du Berlay to either carry heavy weights in handicaps or compete in graded races. He compared the horse’s current situation to that of Clan des Obeaux and Frodon, who also faced tough seasons before bouncing back stronger.
Though initially planning to enter Caliph du Berlay in longer races after his win in the Haldon Gold Cup, Nicholls has reconsidered, especially regarding running on fast tracks for two-mile events. He mentioned potential races like the Desert Orchid and Clarence House but remains unsure and prefers to let the horse mature.
Nicholls shared insights into French horses generally, noting they tend to be energetic and immature at a young age, with some needing more time to fully develop physically and mentally. He attributed Caliph du Berlay’s recent poor run to possibly being off form and stressed the importance of patience, highlighting past successes with French horses like Decito’s great, Court Star.
Since the Exeter race, Caliph du Berlay has had a relaxed month, with Nicholls emphasizing that horses don’t decline suddenly and that development can continue even into older years, citing Kautstar as an example who was still improving at 11.
Fan Take: This update highlights the importance of patience and long-term strategy in horse racing, reminding fans that not every setback signals the end of a promising career. For followers of the sport, Caliph du Berlay’s story is a compelling one to watch, offering hope that with proper care, even a slow start can lead to future glory.
