BANNISTER (FR) got our French operation off to a fantastic start at Angers on Saturday winning the Prix Ubu III Hurdle for the Crossed Fingers Partnership. All the hard work teaching him to settle has paid off. He jumped beautifully for James Reveley at the rear of the field before making steady headway four from home and increasing his advantage further with a fantastic leap at the last. He’s come out of the race well and could head to Auteuil at the end of the month for another valuable conditions race.


ROCK THE KASBAH (IRE) ran well on the same card to finish third in the Prix Olivier d’Andigne in the colours of Grahame & Diana Whateley. He’s really enjoying his new routine in France and could also head to Autueil on the 28th March.


MINELLA FOR ME (IRE) made easy work of his French debut at Compiegne on Tuesday scooping just over £20,000 for his owner Simon Clarke in the Prix Gaston De La Motte. He put in a faultless round of jumping and kept on well to pull clear of his rivals unchallenged. James Reveley is confident he can handle a step up in grade so he will more than likely head back to Compiegne on the 7th April for the Prix Journaliste worth €125,000.