Prix de Cornulier samlar de hästar som är specialister i montédisciplinen och som antingen har kvalificerat sig eller uppfyller kriterierna för att delta. Vinnaren inkasserar 315 000 euro. Samtliga deltagare i 2026 års upplaga har visat att de håller högsta klass, och loppet ser mycket öppet ut. Titelförsvararen Joumba du Guez saknas tyvärr på grund av skada.
Favoriter
Jeroboam d'Érable
Tränare: Clément Thomain | Ryttare: Damien Bonne
Totalt antal montélopp: 21 | Segrar: 9 | Placeringar: 5
Enligt David Thomain har Jeroboam d’Érable tränat mycket bra och känns smidig. Han startar som klar favorit i Prix de Cornulier. Det enda orosmomentet är att han tidigare har galopperat, men i takt med att han vuxit och utvecklats har det inte skett i monté på över ett år. Han vet inte hur man förlorar och har inget emot tuffa upplägg.
It’s A Dollarmaker
Tränare: Sébastien Guarato | Ryttare: Éric Raffin
Montélopp: 4 | Segrar: 2 | Placeringar: 0
Tränade på stranden måndagen den 12 januari och bekräftade där sin fina form. It’s A Dollarmaker har blivit betydligt starkare med åldern. Tränaren om taktiken:
– Om inget oförutsett händer ska han vara bland de tre främsta. Prio är att slå Jeroboam d’Érable. Min häst är i form och ryttaren känner honom väl. Allt är på plats för en topplöpning.
– Han kommer troligen att gå tidigt. Därefter får Éric Raffin avgöra. Han kan även gå bakifrån. Jag kanske avstår från blinkers den här gången – vi vill inte att han drar för hårt över 2 700 meter.
Iguski Sautonne
Tränare: Mathieu Abrivard | Ryttare: Alexandre Abrivard
Montélopp: 1 | Segrar: 0 | Placeringar: 1
En av de bättre hästarna i sulkylopp under 2025. Mathieu Abrivard sa till Paris-Turf angående Prix d’Amérique:
– Jag hade kunnat försöka kvala honom till Prix d’Amérique, men han har vissa små brister, särskilt i starten, som kostar i sådana här lopp. Han kan bli otålig. Han har bara galopperat i startögonblicket.
Iguski Sautonne gjorde sin första montéstart den 10 december 2025 och blev då trea bakom Jeroboam d’Érable. Efter loppet blåste han mycket, vilket gjorde att man flyttade honom från landsbygden till Grosbois. Där har han tränat mycket bra och Prix de Bourgogne den 28 december användes för att hålla formen. Alexandre Abrivard upplevde honom som lätt att sitta bakom och att han följde loppet enkelt. Med sin klass från eliten i sulkylopp är han en häst att räkna med, även om Jeroboam d’Érable ses som favoriten.
Idéale du Chêne
Tränare: Julien Le Mer | Ryttare: Paul Ploquin
Montélopp: 39 | Segrar: 9 | Placeringar: 22
Efter två fina insatser (tvåa den 27 november och trea den 20 december) är tränaren nöjd. Stoet tränar bra och stärker form och kondition. Hon var sjua i 2025 års upplaga och hoppas nu på revansch.
Ina du Rib
Tränare: Joël Hallais | Ryttare: Jean-Loïc Claude Dersoir
Montélopp: 33 | Segrar: 8 | Placeringar: 14
Förberedelserna har skett exakt som inför 2025 års Cornulier, där hon förlorade segern med knapp marginal. Hon är stark men föredrar rygglopp för att kunna attackera sent. Hon har bara varit utanför topp fem två gånger i hela sin montékarriär.
Je M’Envole
Tränare/Ryttare: Mathieu Mottier
Montélopp: 18 | Segrar: 8 | Placeringar: 5
Har tränat mycket bra veckan före loppet. Mathieu Mottier säger:
– Han jobbade tre pass i måndags. Efter uppvärmning körde vi intervaller på rakorna i skogen och senare på innerbanan. Varje gång motsvarade han mina förväntningar. Jag hoppade över några lopp för att han skulle komma fräsch hit.
– Med skor har han haft svårare att nå topplaceringar. Förut spurtade han mycket bra, bland annat förbi Idéale du Chêne. Jeroboam d’Érable är kanske ett snäpp över oss, men Je M’Envole ska slåss om en plats.
Utmanare
Islamorada
Tränare: Pierre Levesque | Ryttare: Camille Levesque
Montélopp: 25 | Segrar: 10 | Placeringar: 6
Har gjort väldigt lite fel i karriären och förbättras för varje år. Gjorde sin första gruppstart den 4 januari och stod sig väl. Tränaren säger att hon är smidig, glad och i form. Jämnheten gör henne högintressant för topp fem.
Keengame
Tränare: Jean-Philippe Monclin | Ryttare: Anthony Barrier
Montélopp: 22 | Segrar: 7 | Placeringar: 8
Ledande sto i K-kullen. Stark och tål tuffa upplägg. Senast gick hon med annan balans, vilket kan förklara en svagare prestation. Studsar hon tillbaka är hon farlig.
Jean Balthazar
Tränare: Pascal Castel | Ryttare: Guillaume Martin
Montélopp: 29 | Segrar: 5 | Placeringar: 14
Har förberetts hela vintern för detta lopp. Visade form med andraplats bakom Islamorada i Prix de Calvados. Startar nu barfota – samma balans som när han blev sexa i Cornulier 2025.
Kyt Kat
Tränare: Thomas Levesque | Ryttare: Clément Frecelle
Montélopp: 30 | Segrar: 10 | Placeringar: 3
En ny ryttare i sadeln. Har haft det tyngre på slutet och behöver höja sig rejält för att räcka.
Kapaula de L’Epine
Tränare: Jérémy Van Eeckhaute | Ryttare: Adrien Lamy
Montélopp: 37 | Segrar: 3 | Placeringar: 13
Stark, jämn och vass till slut. Tränaren är nöjd med förberedelserna. Målet är topp fem – en potentiell skräll.
Halfa
Tränare: Stéphane Levoy | Ryttare: A. Gendrot
Montélopp: 71 | Segrar: 11 | Placeringar: 19
Ger alltid allt. Tuff uppgift, men inställningen kan räcka till en placering runt topp sju.
Heuristique
Tränare: Jean-Philippe Raffegeau | Ryttare: Jean-Yves Ricart
Montélopp: 31 | Segrar: 9 | Placeringar: 6
Mycket jämn häst. I ett stort fält kan det bli trafikproblem, men hon är redo. Ricart skrällde i Cornulier 2024 med Esperanza Idole (22/1).
Outsiders
Hirondelle du Rib
Tränare: Joël Hallais | Ryttare: Noé Perron
Montélopp: 61 | Segrar: 9 | Placeringar: 18
Vann Prix Henri Desmontils 2025 men har sedan tappat form. Går nu barfota för första gången sedan mars – signal om förbättring. Stor kapacitet, men frågetecken finns.
Hannah
Tränare: Julien Raffestin | Ryttare: Françoise Desmigneux
Montélopp: 24 | Segrar: 3 | Placeringar: 9
I fin form men möter många nya hästar. En femte–sjätteplats ses som mycket bra.
Harmonista
Tränare: Franck Nivard | Ryttare: Mehdi Lelievre
Montélopp: 10 | Segrar: 1 | Placeringar: 2
Gjorde stark comeback i monté den 27 december. Har visat att högt tempo inte är något problem. Behöver dock överträffa sig själv för att slå favoriterna.
Kid Bellay
Tränare: Jean-Michel Baudouin | Ryttare: Romain Marty
Montélopp: 13 | Segrar: 2 | Placeringar: 4
Har mött kulltoppar i årgångslopp men galopperat i två öppna lopp. Markerad med grön emoji – formen är där. Outsider med hårdhet.
Ibiki de Houelle
Tränare: Kevin Leblanc | Ryttare: Alexis Collette
Montélopp: 5 | Segrar: 1 | Placeringar: 1
Diskvalificerad i Cornulier 2025 men har enorm styrka. Tränaren:
– Han har inga passande sulkylopp, så vi testar igen. Formen är god – vi går för överraskning.
Snabbaste segertid:
Bilibili – 1.11,2 (2019)
Flerfaldiga vinnare (tre segrar):
Souarus (1946, 1947, 1948)
Gardon (1955, 1956, 1958)
Bellino II (1973, 1975, 1976)
Kaiser Trot (1981, 1982, 1984)
Jag de Bellouet (2004, 2005, 2006)
13 hästar har lyckats vinna Prix de Cornulier två gånger.
Mest framgångsrika ryttare: Jean Mary – 8 segrar
Gardon (1955, 1956, 1958)
Prince des Veys (1964)
Quérido II (1966)
Tidalium Pelo (1970, 1972)
Gamélia (1980)
Mest framgångsrika tränare: Joël Hallais – 8 segrar
Kaiser Trot (1981, 1982, 1984)
Oligo (1986, 1987)
Tout Bon (1993)
One du Rib (2007, 2010)
Yngsta vinnare: Fandango, som vann loppet 1953 som fyraåring.
English version
The biggest monté race of the year, traditionally run one week before the Prix d’Amérique. Highlighting the horses that excel in the discipline and have either qualified or meet the criteria set for this race. The winner will walk away with €315,000. All participants in the 2026 edition have proved their worth, and it promises to be an open race. Title holder Joumba du Guez will unfortunately not be present due to an injury.
Interesting facts – Prix de Cornulier
Fastest winning time:
Bilibili – 1’11’’2 (2019)
Multiple winners (three victories):
Souarus (1946, 1947, 1948)
Gardon (1955, 1956, 1958)
Bellino II (1973, 1975, 1976)
Kaiser Trot (1981, 1982, 1984)
Jag de Bellouet (2004, 2005, 2006)
13 horses have succeeded in doubling in the Prix de Cornulier.
Most successful jockey: Jean Mary – 8 wins
Gardon (1955, 1956, 1958)
Prince des Veys (1964)
Quérido II (1966)
Tidalium Pelo (1970, 1972)
Gamélia (1980)
Most successful trainer: Joël Hallais – 8 wins
Kaiser Trot (1981, 1982, 1984)
Oligo (1986, 1987)
Tout Bon (1993)
One du Rib (2007, 2010)
Youngest winner: Fandango, who won the race in 1953 at four years old.
Favorites
Jeroboam d'Érable | Trainer: Clément Thomain | Driver: Damien Bonne Total monté races: 21 | Total victories: 9 | Total places: 5
Jeroboam d’Érable has been working really well and feels flexible, according to David Thomain. The horse will start as the absolute favorite for the Prix de Cornulier. The only worry is he has broken stride before, but as he’s grown and progressed as a horse, that hasn’t been seen in a monté race in over a year. Doesn’t know how to lose and doesn’t mind racing hard.
It’s A Dollarmaker | Trainer: Sébastien Guarato | Driver: Éric Raffin
Total monté races: 4 | Victories: 2 | Total places: 0
Has worked at the beach on Monday, January 12, confirming he’s in great shape. It’s A Dollarmaker has gained important strength as he’s gotten older. His trainer speaks on tactics: “Barring any mishaps, he should be in the top three. The priority will be beating Jéroboam d'Erable. My horse is in good form, and his jockey knows him well. Everything is in place for him to put in a great performance.”
“He'll definitely be going early. After that, Eric Raffin will decide. He's also capable of running from behind. I might not put blinkers on him this time; we wouldn't want him pulling hard over 2,700 meters.”
Iguski Sautonne | Trainer: Mathieu Abrivard | Driver: Alexandre Abrivard Total monté races: 1 | Victories: 0 | Total places: 1
Among the better horses in regular races in 2025, but Mathieu Abrivard told Paris-Turf the following about a possible Prix d’Amérique participation:
“I could have tried to qualify him for the Prix d'Amérique, but he has some minor flaws, especially at the start, which are costly in this type of race. He tends to lose patience. He's never galloped in a race, except at the start.”
Iguski Sautonne has participated in a monté race once, on December 10, 2025, where he finished third behind the favorite Jeroboam d’Érable. After the race, he blew a lot, resulting in the decision to move him from the countryside to Grosbois. Here he has been training really well, and he used the Prix de Bourgogne on December 28 to stay in shape. Alexandre Abrivard, who drove him in his first monté race, said he was well seated and that Iguski Sautonne followed easily throughout the race. As he has the class of the elite regular races, he’s one to watch. Aiming for the top spots, but Mathieu Abrivard sees Jeroboam d’Érable as the favorite.
Idéale du Chêne | Trainer: Julien Le Mer | Driver: Paul Ploquin
Total monté races: 39 | Victories: 9 | Total places: 22
With two decent performances in the discipline (a second place on November 27 and a third place on December 20), trainer Julien Le Mer is happy with his mare. She’s working well and gaining strength and condition. Both trainer and driver believe she’s ready to do well in the biggest race. She finished seventh in the 2025 edition and hopes to redeem herself here.
Ina du Rib | Trainer: Joël Hallais | Driver: Jean-Loïc Claude Dersoir
Total monté races: 33 | Victories: 8 | Total places: 14
Has been preparing for the Prix de Cornulier exactly like she did for the 2025 edition, where she missed out on victory by a few steps. This indicates she’s in the correct form again and will be ready once more. The mare is strong but prefers a covered race so she can attack in the final stages. The mare has only finished outside the top five in this discipline twice in her entire career.
Je M’Envole | Trainer: Mathieu Mottier | Driver: Mathieu Mottier
Total monté races: 18 | Victories: 8 | Total places: 5
Je M’Envole has put in some great work in the week leading up to the Prix de Cornulier, and Mathieu Mottier confirms his horse is ready to fight for the places: “He worked seriously this Monday morning in three sessions. After a short warm-up, he worked a little later with intervals on the straightaways in the woods before heading out again late in the morning on the inner track. Each time, he met my expectations. I deliberately skipped a few races so that he would arrive fresh for this Prix de Cornulier. As he's running again after only four weeks, we've had to work him regularly, but he's easy to train.”
“Lately, he's been racing with shoes on, which made it difficult to compete for the top spots. Before that, he accelerated very well to overtake Idéale du Chêne in the final stages. His preparation has gone well, and he's arriving in top form for this race. Jéroboam d'Erable seems to be a cut above us, but Je M'Envole has to fight for a place, like others.”
Challengers
Islamorada | Trainer: Pierre Levesque | Driver: Camille Levesque
Total monté races: 25 | Victories: 10 | Total places: 6
Hasn’t done much wrong in her career and improves every year. Appeared in her first group race on January 4, where she raced hard but was still able to beat some of the contenders she’ll meet here. Trainer Pierre Levesque says: “She remained in good form. She is flexible, cheerful and pleasant. I hope to take a nice place. A race with good rhythm would suit her better.” Her consistency puts her among the favorites for a top-five placing.
Keengame | Trainer: Jean-Philippe Monclin | Driver: Anthony Barrier
Total monté races: 22 | Victories: 7 | Total places: 8
The strong filly is the leader of the K-generation, collecting wins and podium places in every race she runs. She’s strong and doesn’t mind racing hard. She raced with different irons as usual last time (plates in front, irons behind, instead of plates in front and barefoot behind), which could explain her slightly disappointing and unusual performance. If she bounces back, she can be a real danger.
Jean Balthazar | Trainer: Pascal Castel | Driver: Guillaume Martin
Total monté races: 29 | Victories: 5 | Total places: 14
Has been preparing for the Prix de Cornulier throughout the winter. Although he didn’t play an outstanding role, he built gradually and proved he is on the rise with a second place behind Islamorada in the Prix de Calvados on January 4. He’s been training well, resulting in the trainer deciding to start him barefoot. The same set-up as in the 2025 Cornulier, where he finished sixth.
Kyt Kat | Trainer: Thomas Levesque | Driver: Clément Frecelle
Total monté races: 30 | Victories: 10 | Total places: 3
Partnered with a new driver, Kyt Kat will try to rediscover his form. Among the leaders of the K-generation in this discipline, he’s been struggling lately. He used to be able to charge late, but now struggles to keep up against the older horses. Drastically needs to improve or he’ll be out of contention.
Kapaula de L’Epine | Trainer: Jérémy Van Eeckhaute | Driver: Adrien Lamy Total monté races: 37 | Victories: 3 | Total places: 13
Consistent and strong, and able to finish fast. Her trainer revealed her preparation is going well. The goal here is to finish in the top five. With her capabilities, she’s definitely among the horses that could surprise the favorites.
Halfa | Trainer: Stéphane Levoy | Driver: A. Gendrot
Total monté races: 71 | Victories: 11 | Total places: 19
The trainer mentions the mare always puts her heart on the track, no matter the competition or the race. Fairly consistent but faces a tough task here. Her character might be the key to a placing among the top seven.
Heuristique | Trainer: Jean-Philippe Raffegeau | Driver: Jean-Yves Ricart Total monté races: 31 | Victories: 9 | Total places: 6
An incredibly consistent performer, but in a big field like this one, she might find herself in some trouble. The trainer explains she’s ready and a mare that takes everything that comes her way. The trainer talks about her training: ‘’I try to do maintenance, while keeping her under pressure for the race. She practiced on Tuesday (January 13) and she did very well.’’
Jean-Yves Ricart surprised in the Prix de Cornulier 2024 when he drove outsider (22/1) Esperanza Idole to victory.
Outsiders
Hirondelle du Rib | Trainer: Joël Hallais | Driver: Noé Perron
Total monté races: 61 | Victories: 9 | Total places: 18
Winner of the Prix Henri Desmontils on March 1, 2025. A group 1 race held shortly after the Prix de Cornulier. The mare hasn’t been close to her best form ever since. She will run barefoot for the first time since March, indicating she’s got ground to win and improve on. A very capable mare possessing a strong finish, with a big question mark behind her name.
Hannah | Trainer: Julien Raffestin | Driver: Françoise Desmigneux
Total monté races: 24 | Victories: 3 | Total places: 9
The trainer of Hannah told HarnessWorld: “Hannah is in good shape. She will run to please her owner and to enjoy the moment. A 5th or 6th place would be super.” The mare will meet most of the horses in this field for the first time, and is an outsider here.
Harmonista | Trainer: Franck Nivard | Driver: Mehdi Lelievre
Total monté races: 10 | Victories: 1 | Total places: 2
Returned to the discipline after a year with a strong third place in the Prix Yvonnick Bodin on December 27. Noted a strong 1’11’’7 over 2700m, indicating she doesn’t have a problem with a fast pace, which is expected in the Prix de Cornulier. Still needs to outperform herself to challenge the favorites. Her driver, who will compete in his first Prix de Cornulier, spoke about the opportunity:
“I'm still finding it hard to believe I'll be running in the Prix de Cornulier; the pressure isn't there yet. My priority will be to focus and do my best. I just ran Harmonista in the Prix Yvonnick Bodin and it went well. So, Franck Nivard was kind enough to entrust her to me again in the Cornulier. Based on her last performance, she has a good chance of finishing in the top five if everything goes well.”
Kid Bellay | Trainer: Jean-Michel Baudouin | Driver: Romain Marty
Total monté races: 13 | Victories: 2 | Total places: 4
Challenged the best horses of his generation in age-class races, but since stepping up to the open races, he has faced two disqualifications. Still, Kid Bellay will run with a green emoji behind his name, confirming he’s in shape and that the two past races might be a mishap. Remains an outsider but is able to race hard.
Ibiki de Houelle | Trainer: Kevin Leblanc | Driver: Alexis Collette
Total monté races: 5 | Victories: 1 | Total places: 1
Participated in the 2025 Prix de Cornulier but was disqualified for an irregular trot. The horse possesses a lot of strength and lungs. Trainer Kevin Leblanc explains: “Since he has no commitments in harness racing, we decided to give it a try.”
“When he last ran in this discipline, it didn't go well. This will be another test for him. The horse is in good physical condition, so we're taking on the challenge. Since the 2024 Cornulier, we haven't tried him under saddle at home. We're going for a surprise.”
“He trained this Monday morning (January 12). He ran six 1,100-meter straights. The first at a pace of 1'30", then the next four in 1 minute 20 seconds, including one section uphill. He completed the final leg in 1 minute 30 seconds. Between now and Sunday, he will work gently on Wednesday and Friday, before going out for a ride under saddle on Saturday.”
