It has not taken long for Califet to be rewarded with his first winner.

On Monday at Fontainebleau Temple Lord ran out an easy winner of the Prix du Carrefour de l’Obelisque, on just his second outing. This was only Califet’s third runner to date.

Califet was somewhat of a surprise to many, but not to his trainer, Maisons-Laffitte-based Guy Cherel, when he finished fourth to Marienbard in the 2002 Arc after having been similarly placed in the G.1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud earlier in the season.

Califet was one of the most consistent middle-distance horses in France from 2001 until the end of the following season’s campaign. He was subsequently purchased by Godolphin for whom he failed to shine on two outings at Nad Al Sheba in March 2003.

Among the highlights of his career Califet can count victory in the G.2 Prix Jean de Chaudenay before failing to land another G.2 when touched off by André Fabre’s Polish Summer in the Grand Prix de Deauville.

Califet stands for €1,200 at the Haras du Chêne Vert.
(Courtesy Jour de Galop)