Winter jumping will return to PAU on Wednesday with an eight-race National Hunt programme designed to test stamina and jumping accuracy. The PAU Race Cards 24 December will outline action from late morning through mid-afternoon, with races scheduled over distances ranging from 3,500 metres to 5,600 metres and a mix of hurdle and chase contests forming the festive card.
The meeting will open at 11:52 with the PRIX DE NAVARRENX over 3,500 metres, worth €34,000. Nine runners will be expected to line up, including MIRA VIVA, MADONA DES MOTTES, TUNISYA, MATCHUGA and DIZAVRIL PELEM, in what will look a solid early test of jumping fluency.
At 12:28, attention will turn to the PRIX MORTIMER DE LASSENCE, the longest race on the card with 5,600 metres and carrying prize money of €48,000. HIP HOP CONTI, ICI AVRILLY, SHAWINIGAN, LORALINK and GRAVITY BLUE will be among the notable expected runners in a demanding stamina examination.
The PRIX ALFRED TORRANCE at 13:05 will cover 3,500 metres for €34,000. MORNAC, MAGIC BEDE, MANAGEUR DE MEE, MIRVANA and MAGNUM D’ERABLE will be set to contest this mid-card event, which will suit progressive types over shorter distances.
At 13:40, the PRIX DU NEBOUZAN will be run over 3,900 metres, also worth €34,000. LUTECE D’ARTHEL, LEADER CONTI, LANDAIS, LIEUTENANT PLAYER and LE COUP D’ENVOI will be expected to feature in a race likely to reward accurate jumping and positioning.
The 14:15 slot will be taken by the PRIX ALFONSO DE PORTAGO, another 3,900-metre contest with €34,000 on offer. KATOVICE, KISS KISS, KOKOCHAGA, JOLIVENT and ILLICO will form a competitive field in a race that will sit at the heart of the afternoon.
At 14:50, the PRIX DE LEMBEYE will be staged over 3,800 metres for €19,000. CAPTAIN DU BERLAIS, SAINT BATH, GALET D’OUDAIRIES, JUJU DEMONMIRAIL and OAK CREEK will be among the runners expected to take part in this lower-value but competitive contest.
The later stages of the card will begin at 15:32 with the PRIX DE BIELLE over 3,500 metres, carrying prize money of €32,000. LOUSTIC DE GRISSAY, LASCAR DE MAI, LOBELIX DU MOULIN, LORD VIVO and LE CHOREGRAPHE will be set to line up in a race that often suits improving performers.
The programme will conclude at 16:07 with the PRIX FERNAND ROY of 3,500 metres worth prize money of €34,000. KRACK DU BONHEUR, KLOVIS BLEUE, CHANT DE GARDE, KALINE ROQUE and LITOTE DU LANNIER will be expected runners as the card draws to a close.
With a balanced mix of distances and prize levels, the PAU Race Cards 24 December will offer a clear snapshot of winter jumping at the south-west French venue, combining established names with emerging contenders across the programme.
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