2024 Crystal Cup winner Gap Pierji has found racing in France to his liking, and will look to cement his position in the forthcoming Crystal Cup rankings again after a 6l fifth to Ivresse d’Estruval in the latest leg of the Trophée National du Cross at Vittel on Bastille Day. The Czech – trained horse has become a regular fixture on the French cross country scene.

A stiff pace was set by Ilbao and Destin Sacre in the 5,200m chase, which requires a confident rider and well balanced horse to set the pace in the circuitous undulating route. Great du Large and Ivresse d’Estruval, stepping up in trip from last winter’s successes at 4,500m, lay handy, although in the early stages, Indian file was the order of the day.

Turning in, the race appeared to be between Great du Large and Destin Sacre, with Ilbao and Gap Pierji respectfully behind, but Baptiste Le Clerc conjured up a magnificent run from the winner to win by a nose right on the line. He looks likely to be a force to be reckoned with during the winter, given the rare soft ground here for mid July.

The calendar of Class 1 cross country races is proving popular to runners from overseas. The dozen or so that comprise the Trophée National represent a perfect feeder race to Crystal Cup contests, all with a higher value, and this route has already been proven by the likes of Roi Mage, touched off at Corlay 10 days previously.