31 October 2022
Claire Lefort wins Crazy Cup Pau
The Pau organization has tried a new format this year, a CAI2* combined marathon for horses and ponies. This is comparable to what we know at the FEI World Cup for Four-in-Hands. It was a multi-day mini-marathon and was called the 'Crazy Cup'. As in previous years, this was held at the same time as the 5* eventing competition.There were a number of reasons for this change. Given the moment in the season, there have always been few participants, and this year there were not enough participating countries for a Nations Cup. In addition, the organization wants the competition to be attractive to the public. “We also hope to get more lasting interest from spectators in the driving sport with the Crazy Cup,” the organization said before the start.
The horses were inspected by the veterinarian and judges on Friday. Saturday was the first round, Sunday the second round and the prize giving ceremony took place. All horses were approved and everyone was allowed to start. There was €3,500 in prize money up for grabs. €1,000 went to the winner.
Cutest combination
Seven participants with nine horses went for the win. Claire Lefort was the fastest on Saturday with her PRE Hacendoso RS with a time of 162.37 seconds. She also tried with her other horse Darwin de Feline, but unfortunately she had a ball. The cutest combination in Pau this weekend was Lilou Crasnier Lefort, the daughter of Claire Lefort and Yannick Crasnier. She competed with her 6-year-old Shetland pony.
Lilou Crasnier Lefort
Photo: Swingletree Photography
“A different kind of power”
Olympic eventing rider Tim Price (NZL) also took part, with Claire Lefort on the back of the carriage as groom. “This was really fun!” he said. “You feel the power, but it seems like a completely different kind of power than under saddle.”
Tim Price
Photo: Swingletree Photography
Claire Lefort wins
On Sunday, Karim Laghouag (FRA), Olympic medalist in eventing, took place on the carriage. Claire Lefort drove a very fast lap with Darwin de Feline, earning a score of 281.56. Francoise Dubos and Sophie Pougnet finished behind her with 287.71 and 307.68 penalty points.
“This new format is interesting and easy to understand for the public. There is no shortage of enthusiastic audiences here! It is a very nice competition with perfect facilities and a good organisational team that is always ready to help us”, said Claire Lefort.
“It was nice to see two event riders going around with one of my international ponies. In addition, it is of course great to drive such a competition with your daughter. She did a perfect job and I hope she has been able to make children of all ages (more) enthusiastic about the driving sport.”
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Claire Lefort and Darwin de Feline
Photo: Swingletree Photography
