The National de l'Obstacle: One of the so nice summer french event where France's Next Jumps WInners Get Discovered Haras du Pin, Normandy — Thursday 23 July 2026 Ninety foals, yearlings and two-year-olds will parade before judges at the Haras du Pin on Thursday 23 July for the latest edition of the National de l'Obstacle, in the heart of Normandy conformation show dedicated to young jumping-bred horses. Organised by the ANCCO (Association Normande de Chevaux de Course d'Obstacle) in the Olympic-standard equestrian complex on the historic Haras du Pin estate, the show has built a track record for spotting future national hunt winners and placed years before they see a racecourse. The latest name to join that list is the Champion Novice Hurdler King Rasko Grey, presented as a foal at the National de l'Obstacle in 2020 for breeders Michael Douguet and Laura Pilard. Trained by Willie Mullins, the horse has won twice at Grade 1 level this spring, at Cheltenham and Punchestown. He follows a string of alumni that have gone on to win at the best level, including the great mare L’Autonomie, He's On Fire, The Robbers, Port Joulain, Alcyone Rouge, Asterion Forlonge, Let Me Love, Jaminska, Marvel de Cerisy, Quel Patron and Katell des Blins... This year's judge of honour is Jérôme Delaunay, one of the fastest-rising names in French jumps training, now firmly established in the top 10. The show is reserved to foals, yearlings and two-year-olds from across France, whether thoroughbred, AQPS or Anglo-Arab, provided their pedigree points towards a career over jumps. As in previous years, the top graduates in each category will be rewarded with stallion nominations offered, as Beaumec de Houelle, Jigme, Léon du Berlais and 2027 newcomer Shannon Maestro, among other generous gift. Beyond the competition itself, the National de l'Obstacle remains a social fixture on the Normandy breeding calendar: a welcome dinner with live music is held the evening before , and breeders gather at midday on the 23rd for a traditional Normandy aperitif hosted by the Fédération des éleveurs (French Breeders Federation). The National de l'Obstacle is supported by the Région Normandie, the Département de l'Orne and the Fédération des éleveurs, Arqana, Dynavena et many others; Enquiries: associationancco@gmail.com