ENGLISH TEXTS his limit in steeplechasing — it was too fast for him , and he wasn ’ t enjoying it . Gaby was confident he ’ d adapt to cross-country . Since cross-country is a Leenders family tradition , we said , ‘ Let ’ s do it !’” Sweet David made his debuts in cross-country at Le Lion d ’ Angers on April 1 st , 2024 , finishing runner-up . Three weeks later , he won at Durtal and never left the podium in his next four races , culminating in his dazzling Cheltenham victory . The switch to cross-country revitalized his career , making him a potential track star . “ He ’ s happy and thriving ,” says his trainer . Sweet has earned € 70,000 since switching disciplines . Not all horses can adapt to crosscountry . They need balance , durability , bravery and endurance . “ They must breathe well and expend minimal effort ,” notes Gabriel Leenders . Only exceptional horses can win major cross-country events , such as Craon ’ s , which , according to Guillaume Macaire , requires “ a horse capable of winning a Quinté in steeplechasing at Auteuil .”
Prime at Seven or Eight “ If horses excel in cross-country , their mental improves tremendously because the work and courses are less monotonous than hurdles or steeplechasing ,” analyzes Philippe Peltier , whose mare Miss Laura won the last two legs of the National Cross Trophy . Born in 2015 , this small champion arrived at Peltier ’ s stable only 18 months ago , having already won cross-country races under former trainer David Cottin . “ She lives in the paddock because she gets stressed and paces in her stall ,” explains Peltier . Since joining Peltier , she ’ s won eight cross-country races , earning € 140,000 . Cross-country is part of Peltier ’ s DNA . He fondly remembers Imposant , a star AQPS horse , who excelled after a slow start . Over time , cross-country transformed his career , much like it did for Sweet David .
MAIN SWEET DAVID on the hedges of Auteuil before his triumph on the cross-country course . © APRH
PAGE 99 Chriseti over the obstacles at Craon . © Jean-Charles Briens
PAGE 101 Chriseti and his entourage . © Jean-Charles Briens
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WHEN OWNERS EMBRACE CROSS-COUNTRY
Major owners such as the Papot and Pilarski have joined the National Cross Trophy . The enthusiasm for these long , strategic races often wins over those unfamiliar with the discipline . Moïse Ohana reflects : “ Before cross-country , I thought it seemed dangerous , but now I find it less stressful than other races . The discipline highlights the rider ’ s connection with the horse , and the horses seem to enjoy it , improving with time and gaining valuable experience .” Sweet David ’ s second-place finish in Craon ’ s Grand Cross in 2024 further cemented Ohana ’ s appreciation for the sport : “ I mingled with thousands of spectators , amazed at how everyone knew the horses ’ names . The connection between the discipline and its audience is incredible .”
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A FRENCH TREASURE
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France boasts a rich tradition of cross-country racing , particularly in the West , with legendary venues like Craon and Le Lion d ’ Angers . The National Cross Trophy , established in 2020 , includes stops at various tracks nationwide , offering diverse challenges . Guillaume Macaire highlights the need to tailor horses to specific courses , while William Menuet recalls his partnership with Posilox , a double winner of the 7,300-meter Anjou-Loire Challenge . Far from being inherently dangerous , cross-country provides a slower pace , reducing the risk of severe falls compared to steeplechasing . “ The notion that cross-country is especially dangerous is a misconception ,” says Macaire , emphasizing the importance of gradual progression in training . The final 2024 National Cross Trophy race took place at Durtal , a venue combining history and modern ambition . The dedicated team , comprising volunteers and professionals , ensures the track remains one of the best preparatory courses for more selective venues . Cross-country ’ s enduring appeal lies in its unpredictability , camaraderie , and the deep bonds it fosters among horses , riders , and spectators alike . For trainers like Gabriel Leenders , winning Craon ’ s Grand Cross
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