Blood Cotil wins French Grade 3 Willie Mullins dominated the Gras Savoye Pasteurdon Prix Questarabad at Auteuil on Sunday when Blood Cotil outgunned Diakali in the Grade Two over hurdles. The former was always to the fore under Ruby Walsh, but was let down by a wayward leap at the last. This helped the Paul Townend-ridden Blood Cotil seize the day along the run-in at the odds of 8/1. Le Grand Luce (7/4 favourite) was third, with fellow Mullins inmate Viconte Du Noyer taking fifth spot. Bel La Vie had earlier won a thrilling renewal of the Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil. The Guillaume Macaire-trained seven-year-old fended off the close attentions of Shannon Rock to emerge victorious in a blockbuster finish to the esteemed Grade One over three miles and five furlongs. Bertrand Lestrade's partner had looked beaten once his game pursuer edged clear along the run-in. But Bel La Vie (11/4 favourite) was in a particularly belligerent mood and fought back under intense pressure to take top honours. Mid Dancer has won this race three times, including in the last two seasons, and finished an honourable third. Philip Carberry finished third aboard Victoire Des Borde in the other Grade One on the card, the Gras Savoye Patrimoine Prix Ferdinand Dufaure. The Irish-born, French-based, jockey finished strongly aboard the Francois-Marie Cottin-trained four-year-old but had to be content with minor honours. Storm Of Saintly (9/1) fared best of all to provide Macaire with another big winner. Laskaline finished third.
