Batman a superhero in France

Batman Senora returned to the scene of his greatest triumph to record an impressive win in the Prix Jean Granel hurdle race at Auteuil today.

The Ian Williams-trained eight-year-old, who won France’s equivalent of the King George VI Chase at the same course last November, led practically all the way under Cyrille Gombeau to beat Loumie by eight lengths.

The big disappointment on the soggy ground was the Francois Doumen-trained Ladykish, as France’s champion four-year-old chaser of last year could finish only fifth in the extended two-and-a-half-mile race.

“He was fantastic today and now it is on for the Grand Steeplechase de Paris,” said Gombeau about the 10-1 winner. “His rhythm was perfect.”

Batman Senora will have to step up a gear at Auteuil on May 30 if he is to beat the hot favourite Kotkijet, who produced a stunning display to romp home in his prep race, the Prix Ingre over fences.

The nine-year-old, winner of the Grand Steeple in 2002, came home 10 lengths clear of rank outsider Princelou.

“He is a gazelle,” said trainer Jean-Paul Gallorini of his 1-2 shot.