Son Of Yeats Gains First Black-Type Win

The Francois Nicolle-trained Figuero (4g Yeats - Annaland, by Saint Des Saints) gained his first black-type win on his first attempt when taking Thursday’s Listed Prix Philippe Menager at Auteuil.

Racing over two miles and six furlongs for the first time, the bay was held up at the back of the field by Angelo Zuliani and was travelling much the best of the five horses as they turned for home. Sweeping to the front, he was pushed out to win by five lengths.

The four-year-old, who is owned by his trainer in partnership with Jacques Detre and breeder Thierry Cypres, remains unbeaten over fences, having won his chase debut in mid-March. The first foal out of the mare, his dam is an unraced half-sister to black-type performer Dwip.

Later in the day at Huntingdon, another son of Yeats justified favouritism in the two mile bumper. Having his first start for trainer Neil King and owner Peter Beadles, Willie Butler (5g Yeats - Belsalsa, by Kingsalsa) was purchased for £66,000 in February after being placed in both his starts in point-to-points for Peter Flood.

Initially disputing the lead with Idol’s Eye, the bay asserted four furlongs out and was pushed along from the final furlong. Despite showing some signs of inexperience in the closing stages, the favourite dup deep to hold off Mr Perfect by a length and three quarters.

Bred by Ned Morris, Willie Butler is closely related to Grade 1 performer Mulcahys Hill.