The hotly contested sixth leg of the Crystal Cup – Compiegne’s Grand Cross Country – returned a French 1-2-3 as the town that hosted the capitulation of the German army on November 11th 1918 in that famous railway carriage, enjoyed a superb and eventful renewal of the steeplechase over 5,200m 96 years on.

Iceo Madrik, sent off favourite, was always among the leaders for Thomas Journiac, and made his weight allowance pay against the higher weighted Roi Mage and Fraga Has to win the €57,000 contest in the soft ground.

As the starter dropped his flag, it was Why and Roi Mage who made the running, the latter looking for a repeat of last year’s race, but this field was altogether stronger. The field was well bunched leaving the 7th, where Roi Mage lost his position turning sharp right handed out of the bend. Capitalizing on the change in the order, Riskman, who hadn’t run since March, and Beau Saonois, a recent fourth in the Wroclaw leg, both took closer order.

By fence 16 of the 27, the finishing order was almost set already, with Iceo Madrik leading Riskman and young pretender Fraga Has, but only 7l would have covered the field at the following fence. If you were good enough, there was still every opportunity.

At the bank, Riskman made good ground as Beau Saonois was awkward. He was one of three to exit the race at the sunken road, fence 20, along with long time leader Why and Silver Horse.

The race became a duel between Iceo Madrik and Fraga Has, with the improving Hemevoici putting in a good late effort. With the help of the rail to keep him straight, the favourite ran out a 5l winner over Riskman, Fraga Has a further 2 1/2l further back in 3rd, whilst Hemevoici’s challenge faultered.

Standings in the Crystal Cup leaderboard remain largely unchanged therefore. Josef Vana’s brave adventure to cement his lead did not pay off, but he remains 11pts clear of Patrice Quinton, with David Cottin and James Griffin in the frame. With a further 3 races in France before May, Vana may be obliged to run in England, Ireland or at Pau to maintain his momentum, whilst the odds are stacked in favour of the Crystal Cup returning to France, unless the British or Irish pull a rabbit out of the hat. With Roi Mage being aimed at the Irish Grand National, that seems unlikely.