'We couldn't get established for love or money - but in France we're a big deal'

It is unlikely that the philosopher and politician Edmund Burke had the average steeplechase at Auteuil in mind when he opined that "ambition can creep as well as soar".

But the tick, tick, boom rhythm of French jump racing has become a major source of success for a training partnership which toiled away in the middle ranks in Britain for well over a decade with precious few days in the sun.

Sophie Leech and husband Christian have never been shy when it comes to taking on a challenge and, despite limited equine resources, managed to pick off three juicy handicap prizes with cheaply bought horses in Britain in 2018 and 2019.