Overview
- The final declarations confirm a 14-horse lineup for the Auteuil showpiece, with David Cottin fielding Kivala du Berlais, Karré d’As and Juntos Ganamos, and trot owner Pierre Pilarski represented by Crown du Berlais.
- Defending trainer François Nicolle, who won in 2025 with Diamond Carl, relies on a single runner in Kentucky Wood after ruling out last year’s winner.
- The Grand Steeple-Chase spans roughly 6 km and 23 obstacles, including two big water jumps and the Rail-ditch-and-Fence, which test stamina and precise jumping.
- Total prize money stands at €837,000 with €376,650 to the winner, raising the financial stakes for owners and lifting a champion’s sale value.
- Trainers describe careful prep and veterinary care at hubs like Chantilly yet acknowledge that high-level steeplechasing still carries accident risks.