The rise of Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm in the horse racing world has reached new heights with their young star, El Clavel, galloping to victory in the prestigious Grande Course de Haies at Auteuil. Displaying outstanding skill, the five-year-old went head-to-head against last year’s victor, Losange Bleu, in what turned into a thrilling race full of promise for the future.
Under the expert guidance of jockey James Reveley, El Clavel demonstrated mastery beyond his years, delivering performance seasoned trainers dream of. Although it was just his sixth start, El Clavel showcased veteran-level agility and determination, carrying Reveley to triumph with poise and power.
The youngest racehorse trainer of his caliber, twenty-four-year-old Noel George has already etched his name in the annals of French Grade 1 races. This win unarguably heralds a glorious start, considering the previous accolades were under the tutelage of his father, Tom George. The father-son duo, alongside Amanda Zetterholm, formed the dynamic trifecta steering El Clavel towards greatness and hinted at a bright future filled with even bigger ambitions.
Noel George embodied the spirit of a well-versed horseman as he shared moments after the race, mingled with a mix of humility and joy. He recounted the race strategy, noting, “We planned for James to shadow Losange Bleu until the opportune moment to unveil El Clavel’s potential. His jumps were impeccable, and James’s guidance was nothing short of spectacular.”
El Clavel, named after its Spanish meaning ‘the carnation,’ has quickly blossomed under the capable hands of George and Zetterholm. While savoring this momentous victory in one of France’s top hurdle races, George remains intrigued by the potential for their equine sensation to compete in the UK’s demanding novice chases in the upcoming winter season.
The visionary trainer credits much of El Clavel’s early development to his father, who laid the foundational training blocks during the horse’s formative years. Together, they’ve nurtured a family training enterprise, excelling in bilocational operations across the UK and France. Tom George reflected on their foresight saying, “We procured him as a yearling, harbored high hopes, which now indeed seem more prophetic. Noel and Amanda have done a magnificent job advancing his training era.”
The spotlight was also generously shared with Reveley, who experienced a revival of past glories with his second win in this race exactly a decade after his first. With confidence and composure, Reveley held the reins, stating, “El Clavel never appeared tired and even seemed capable of an encore. His potential as he matures promises boundless prospects.”
The victor obtained accolades while other competitors, such as Harry Cobden and Monmiral, struggled to maintain their positions on the turf, rounding off in distant ranks. Trainer Paul Nicholls reflected on Monmiral’s result, suggesting a tactical refinement could offer improved outcomes in forthcoming races.
Hewick, another famed entry, struggled to replicate earlier victories, securing a spot among the tail end of the competitors. Trainer Shark Hanlon acknowledged the challenges, affirming the satisfaction of savoring winnings from seventh place.
El Clavel’s triumphant rise not only invigorates the family-driven passion of the George training camp but also stirs anticipation for what lies ahead. As racing enthusiasts analyze this impressive win, closely watching George and Zetterholm’s training prowess, the message resonates clearly: El Clavel is not simply a potential Gold Cup candidate, but a rising star primed to write his name in racing history.
