The Lageneste – Macaire stable produced a second Crystal Cup Series win at Fontainebleau this afternoon, as 7 year old Klitchko de Belair outstayed his rivals to score a 2l victory over Gold Allen in this feature 6,000m contest.

The holding ground seemed to hold no fears for the son of Walzertakt, winner of the Compiegne leg in November, and maintaining an unbeaten record of 2/2 in 2026. Always handy, the favourite was pushed up into the lead at the 16th of the 22 fences, and made the best of his way home, finishing with plenty of gusto to justify near even money support.

Gold Allen and Miss Laura, both veterans of this genre of racing, harried the favourite over the final mile, but the younger horse defied top weight and the concession of 4 and 5kg respectively to assert his authority under Kilian Dubourg.

The field was well bunched for much of the race, runners jostling for position. Only Elcond ‘Or Forlonge, always the back marker, never really figured, and he was losing touch when pulled up at the 18th.

Co-trainer Hector de Lagneste commented, “He loves this type of race. he’s been in great form and we took advantage. We’ll have a look at his programme to come; he might head for Craon.”

Crystal Cup Chair Hugues Crosnier with trainer Hector de Lageneste (left) of our leading light, with Kilian Dubourg and remaining connections

With a race in Ireland and a final race in France, this listed contest held no great relevance for the destination of this year’s Crystal Cup. The Owners’ trophy looks in the bag with gallant travellers Scuderia Aichner in a league of their own. Possession of the Trainers’ prize could be in question if Gavin Cromwell fields several and fills the places in Punchestown’s La Touche in a month’s time. A result there would force both he and Josef Vana to field runners in France’s longest race and the Crystal Cup finale, the Anjou-Loire Challenge on May 14th.

See the full result here