Around 30 minutes west of Waregem sits the charming town of Ypres, centre of one of the bloodiest battles in human history, where in four long years between 1914-18, nearly half a million British, Commonwealth and German soldiers lost their lives in winning  pitiful yards of ground. The acute human loss is commemorated each evening in front of some 500 tourists at the Menin Gate in the centre of the rebuilt town in a poignant and highly moving ceremony.

Battle of a different kind was joined yesterday at Waregem’s annual steeplechase meeting in front of a monster crowd of some 30,000 at an event that is to Belgian racing what Cheltenham is to its British equivalent. Seven runners representing stables in France and the Czech Republic joined battle for the ING -sponsored Grand Steeplechase of Flanders, a €100,000 handicap such as will not be found in Britain or Ireland for at least another month.

2024 winner and runner-up 12 months ago, Placenet, under the forceful riding of veteran Johnny Charron for David Cottin and octogenarian British owner Caroline Tisdall, made light work of his six rivals to win by 2 1/2l from Fan d’Apples, one of three runners for Patrice Quinton, attempting to win this for the 12th time.

Tisdall, who sent Placenet and stable companion Iceo Madrik to Cheltenham in January as a precursor to a tilt at the Festival cross country race, has horses in Britain, Ireland and France, and a recent acquisition in Irish National winner Soldier of Milan, who will be aimed at Aintree next Spring. Her joy at winning this quirky contest was a joy to behold, surrounded by fans signed up to her sporting nature.

Caroline Tisdall greets the return of Placenet and Johnny Charron

Charron had Placenet handy from the off, too the lead before 3 out, and a decisive advantage which he was able to maintain at the line, chased latterly by the late-finishing Fan d’Apples and Heraliste, who continues to improve.

The two Czech contenders, running in the Aichner colours that have won the Crystal Cup previously, were gallant fifth and sixth without ever managing to land a blow on the winner. But then this is a racecourse that needs a little knowing; a tight track where it pays to be handy.

First blood then to France in the first of the 12 legs of this Crystal Cup. Tisdall has Iceo Madrik entered at Craon this weekend, with every intention to capitalize on her lead in the Series.

For the full result, click here