Le Grand National

The French Grand National

The Grand National in France is NOT the same as the one we all instantly recognise from Aintree, in the UK.

It is in fact a series of competitions, for each discipline in equestrianism. Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping. They are held throughout France with points allocated depending on where the riders finishes. Two riders compete as a 'Stable'. The rider within the stable, who secures the highest points in each competition, has his score counted, with the points accumulating throughout the season. At the end of the season the winner is the 'Stable' who has accumulated the most points.

Sponsorship has to be secured and confirmed from the commercial business sector for each Stable prior to pre season entries. The team of two riders enters under the name of their Sponsor.

The Grand National 2010 is in its third year now and has received a huge amount of publicity and backing in France. Riders are invited to compete and must all be top professionals within their disciplines. The aim is to create very spectator, viewer friendly competitions and to generate interest and financial input from the commercial sector into the sports. Its a very forward thinking idea and one that France realises is necessary. France for many years has appreciated the sports of horses and has backed the industry. Its a great idea and affords the means to build healthy business and financial relationships between the worlds of Industry and Equestrianism. Riders are very much respected and encouraged. The Grand National seems to be another step towards ensuring that France produces riders that are right up there challenging the other countries, with financial backing and media coverage and support.

Its the eventing Final at Jardy this weekend -

Who will win?

Touzaint goes into the lead after Cross Country!

Show Jumping results as they come in. Read more.....

Eventing

Twenty one Stables compete during Five major Competitions this season for the CCE Grand National Championship.

Now underway, the season started at Tartas with the stable 'DC Production' winning. It was perhaps no suprise that the Stable of Nicolas Touzaint and comrade Eric Vigeonel won the first event. Since this win the DC production Stable seems to be an unstoppable pair in their quest for points. That said the others are hot on their heels and it will be a fierce battle to the end. So with Saumur, Vittel and this weekend Sandillion under their belts too, the race to the end continues, as Donatien Schaully wins the event but DC productions manages to retain the overall points lead.......Who will win at the Final Jardy in September?

Team Results after Sandillion

1 Ecurie DC PRODUCTION – 54 pts

2 Ecurie EQUIWELL.COM / CSEM – 37 pts

3 Ecurie IFCE / TRYBA – 27 pts

4 Ecurie CSEM / GARDE REPUBLICAINE – 25 pts

5 Ecurie EQUICER / FONROCHE ENERGIES – 22 pts

Final event Jardy 3-5 September Who will win the Eventing Grand National?

Show Jumping

The Grand National for Show Jumping opened its Season at Vidauban.

After the second event at Auvers Carentan 21st March followed by Jardy on 18th April Chantilly, Lignières en Berry 04/06/2010 and Deuville , 11/06/2010.