Let the celebrations begin at Auteuil!

It is THE biggest weekend of the autumn season at Auteuil Racecourse: the 48h de l’Obstacle, taking place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November. Five Group 1 races will be staged, representing the highest level of jump racing, in a mountain-inspired atmosphere thanks to the sponsorship of the famous ski resort of Val Thorens.

The major races will get under way with the Prix Magalen Bryant (Group 2) at 1.40pm, bringing together the best 3-year-old fillies over hurdles. An exciting clash is in prospect between Alice’s Saga, a daughter of Paul’s Saga, the champion mare who won the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (Gr1), Lissadell, unbeaten in two starts, and Almarita, who was particularly impressive last time out.

At 2.50pm, it will be the turn of the young steeplechasers to establish their leading contender in the Prix Congress (Group 2). Double Be is a consistent filly who could round off her autumn campaign in style. Among her rivals will be Jardin Paturle, who recently won the prep race, the Prix Noiro (Listed), La Ducasse, impressive on her latest outing, Naruto Banbou, whose imposing physique makes him a natural steeplechaser, and Magic des Charmes, who will make his chasing debut in the Congress. Mossdam will also take his chance, despite having fallen on his chasing debut.

Finally, at 4.07pm, the spotlight will fall on the Grand Prix d’Automne – Prix Serge Landon (Group 1), the autumn's premier hurdle race. Competing among the elite since the age of three, Kingland will start as the strong favourite. He will face Thélème, another champion and a previous winner of this race, Jet Blue, who possesses a powerful finishing kick, and, above all, Leader Sport, who will attempt to win this Group 1 on his seasonal reappearance. He is equally talented over fences and hurdles.