Hip Hop Conti illustrated his supremacy over Pau’s fearsome cross country obstacles with a peerless third consecutive victory in the Grand Cross de Pau yesterday, seeing off all comers to win by 3 1/2l under James Reveley.

The King of Pau’s cross country feature, this was among the easiest of Hip Hop Conti’s three victories in this race, and at eight, who is to say he doesn’t have another two at least to add? His rivals currently struggle to lay a glove on him.

Winner of 12 of his 25 starts, the gelding, bred by owner Patrick Joubert, enjoys a particular association with Pau, where he is a winner of 11 of those contests. In fact, he’s only ever won at Nancy, and trainer Emanuel Clayeux holds him back solely for the Pau winter season. Sadly it seems unlikely the Crystal Cup will be blessed by his presence in our other races.

Jumping off alongside chief rival Saint Godefroy, Hip Hop Conti soon took up the lead, with Ici Avrilly and Illico in close contention, Riskman next of the remainder. Seven year old Ici Avrilly, running for the first time over this extended distance, made a mistake at the fourth, but the order remained virtually unchanged for the first half of the race, I’m Walkin’ tailed off from the bulk of the field.

At the 19th, Saint Godefroy was less than foot perfect, but with no obvious loss of momentum, and de Giles sent him up the inner to challenge 5 out, briefly leading. Reveley was having none of it however, and kicked on again on the favourite, rapidly asserting by 3l.

As they turned out of the country, with three to jump, it was the younger Ici Avrilly who looked the danger under Baptiste Leclerc, but as soon as they entered the straight, it was over. Hip Hop Conti stays all day, and had a burst of speed to see off the one-paced Ici Avrilly, who couldn’t quicken past him. Old rival Saint Godefroy was 8l back, Illico on his flank.

Jockey James Reveley surrounded by Crystal Cup members, from left, Jean-Louis Foursans-Bourdette, (Pau), Frederic Landon (Fontainebleau), Andre Martin (Lion d’Angers), Jean de Cheffontaines (Compiegne), Hugues Crosnier (Craon) & Mario Pirone (Merano)

The result has little effect on the Crystal Cup leaderboard, leaving Josef Vana still in pole position. By dint of his third and fifth placed horses, Patrice Quinton moves to within 5pts, and could consolidate this if running at Cheltenham or Fontainebleau. The latter is a likely target for the Vana stable too.