Chataignier was a surprise winner of the Listed Prix Camille Dubosque (3500m), beating the undefeated and well-fancied Diavolezza.

Representing the Gabriel Leenders stable, Chataignier had demonstrated mixed form in his five previous starts. The four-year-old broke his maiden at Angers over 3400m but had subsequently struggled when pulled up at Pau raised in class. He had also failed to get involved attempting a conditions race at Auteuil in June. However, his racecourse experience seemed to be an advantage and he won by a comfortable four lengths with a further four to the third placed In Excelsis Deo.

The spectacle that is the Listed Grand Cross de Pau (6300m) did not disappoint with another exciting renewal. Last year's Crystal Cup overall winning trainer, Patrice Quinton began the 2022 series in similar form as he recorded a one-two in the Pau feature with Saint Godefroy bravely seeing off stablemate, Otchoa Rouge.

There was a strong pace at the start especially considering the long journey and the 30 plus obstacles. This meant the field were stretched out jumping well with first fall not occurring until halfway. The seven-year-old winner was always in close attendance to the lead and handled the different banks and fences best taking up the running after the final double bank and extending away in the closing stages for a sixth consecutive success.

Spectators at Cagnes-sur-Mer were treated to a thrilling finish between Fakir du Ranch and Ecureuil Jenilou with the former benefiting from his twenty-five-metre advantage. It was a first Group Three success and a fifth consecutive win for the Yannick-Alain Briand trained horse.

Driver/trainer Yannick-Alain Briand was pleased with the winner's performance especially as his participation in the contest had been in question and the second-placed Ecureuil Jenilou did not give up in the closing stages. Fakir du Ranch has now earnt a well-deserved break after three runs since 12 January.

The victory of Idaho a la Bruyere in the G3 Prix de Dozule (2700m) marked a first Group success for trainer Mansour Krouchi. He took his training license out in 2019 and achieved twenty-two wins in 2021.

It was the first time Guillaume Martin had driven for the trainer, who is based in Cabourg. The four-year-old Idaho a la Bruyere has won five times from twelve career starts and continues to progress with each run. Mansour Krouchi is confident the colt can be versatile over a range of different distances and can remain competitive at Group level as he develops.