ENGLISH TEXTS
town on several occasions beforehand. It was a terrific race and great to have it back in the Crystal Cup series.
The 12 th and final race of the Crystal cup is also the longest. Held at Le lion d’ angers, the Loire Anjou challenge is 7300 meters long and holds 50 obstacles including the famous piano steps on the far-left hand side of the course. This is the longest horse race in the world making it a very tactful affair as jockeys are mindful to conserve as much energy early on. Throughout the Crystal Cup races, points are given to the jockey trainer and horse that finish in the first three. Josef Vana jnr was leading the standings going into the final race but if Patrice quinton had an unimaginable one two finish then he would topple the Czech champion from 2023-2024. Quinton gave himself every chance saddling three of the ten runners and relied on clement Lefebvre fresh off winning the Grand Steeplechase de Paris. Josef Vana wasn’ t going down without a fight and sent Gap Pierj over to take his chance. Vana had horses in 6 of the 12 races throughout the series embracing the European challenge and flare that the Crystal Cup offers. Flare is one word to describe cross country races and maybe Patrice Quinton from now on, as he enjoyed a memorable defying the odd to have a 1-2 and lift not only Loire Anjou trophy but sit atop of the Crystal Cup standings as well. It was a textbook Loire Anjou ride from Lefebvre aboard the winner Gold Allen who was dropped in and delivered late taking up the lead going into the last fence and quickening away very smartly from former winner Shawinigan by ten lengths. This result turned the standings on its head with Quinton clinching the win and a cheque for fifteen thousand euros as the leading owner and Scuderia Aichner takes the winning owner accolades with his successes earlier in the series.
The Crystal Cup embodies what it is to go racing. To travel, embrace the challenge, make friends, enjoy the experience, see the sights and most importantly take part, oh and don’ t forget to have fun and enjoy it. I know I did.
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PONEYS
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By Mélodie Janvier
PONEYS AU GALOP: WHEN AN ENTIRE INDUSTRY GETS INVOLVED
For the association Poneys au Galop du Sud-Est, the mission is clear: to share and introduce the passion for horse racing to the general public through pony races offered to children aged 6 to 18. Naturally, many professionals in the industry have joined the cause. Spotlight on this growing movement.
Founded in 2021 by Gaelle Leroy— an ex-training rider turned riding instructor after a serious accident— Poneys au Galop du Sud- Est officially registered its status with the Bouchesdu-Rhône Prefecture last April. This milestone sealed the commitment of industry professionals, regardless of their role, to a cause close to their hearts. More than anything, the association is a human adventure led by its president:“ This is a story of passionate people. Our goal is to support young enthusiasts, whether on a path to a professional career or simply for leisure. It’ s a joy to see them grow, to accompany them on legendary tracks like Vichy, Le Lion-d’ Angers, or training centers like Calas,” the president explains.
Different Backgrounds, One Shared Cause Flat and jump jockeys, stewards, technical trainers— we met with some of them to find out why it was important for them to get involved. It all started with three friends: jump jockeys Gaëtan Champier, Benjamin Gelhay, and Giovanni Boinard. Gaëtan, who is also the husband of the association’ s president, brought his two
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