The Crystal Cup European Cross Country Challenge brings together the finest international horses and riders to reward the most successful stable in cross country steeple chasing.

The 11 race series, with over 815,000 Euros in prize money, will be hosted by many of Europe’s premier racecourses, over unique combinations of hedges, banks, ditches and timber. The Challenge begins in Pau in South West France in February. The final race is at Cheltenham in December following four further races in France and visits to Poland, Belgium, Italy and to the Czech Republic for the Velka Pardubika.

“France is proud to be involved in this exciting, six-nation initiative, that brings together Europe’s leading Cross Country racecourses to celebrate the most successful stable in the 11 chosen races”

Jean d’Indy, Vice Chairman of France Galop.