Crystal Cup (steeplechasing) explained

The Crystal Cup European Cross Country Challenge is an annual series of steeplechase horse races in Europe. The series was introduced in 2010 although most of the individual races are much older.[1]

Points are awarded to the first six finishers in each race, with bonuses for horses from abroad and for the final race. The main prize is for the trainer whose stable's horses have accumulated the most points, with additional trophies for the top horse and top jockey.[1]

Races in the Crystal Cup series[2]
Race Course Country Date Prize fund (€) Notes
Grand Cross de Pau Reverdy (Prix Gaston de Bataille) France February 70,000
Cross Country Chase[3] England March 74,000 During the Cheltenham Festival
Grand Steeple-Chase Cross Country de Fontainebleau France April 40,000
Anjou-Loire Challenge France May 112,000
Crystal Cup Partynice Wrocław Poland June 40,000 Associate member 2016, full member 2017
Belgium August/September 100,000
Grand Cross de Craon France September 75,000
Italy September 40,000
Czech Republic October 178,000
Grand Steeple Chase-Cross-Country de Compiègne France November 40,000
Cross Country Handicap Chase Cheltenham England December 48,000 During the International Hurdle meeting
Races formerly part of the Crystal Cup
La Touche Cup Ireland April 28,500 (2016)[4] Member 2010–2016
Crystal Cup Cross-Country Challenge Switzerland May 33,000 (2015)[5] Member 2015[6] –2016[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Launch of European jump racing series. Schlesinger. Victoria. 9 November 2009. International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. 21 March 2018.
  2. Web site: Crystal Cup 2018 Meetings. Crystal Cup. 21 March 2018.
  3. Web site: Four nations represented in tomorrow's Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase as Crystal Cup concludes. 8 December 2016. The JockeyClub. 21 March 2018.
  4. Web site: Punchestown (IRE) FBD Cross Country Chase for the La Touche Cup. 28 Apr 2016. Racing Post. 21 March 2018.
  5. Web site: Prix Crystal Cup Cross Country Challenge 2015 Partants et Pronostics - FRAUENFELD - Réunion n°5 Course n°6 - Lundi 25 Mai 2015. turfomania.fr. 21 March 2018.
  6. Web site: Trois questions à.... subscription. Müller. Christoph. May 2015. Jour de Galop. French. 21 March 2018.
  7. Web site: Crystal Cup European Cross Country Challenge 2016. racingbetter.co.uk. 21 March 2018.