'Owners don't want a bottomless pit - that's why France is so appealing'

Christian Leech walks back in with Enfant Roi after finishing second in France's biggest handicap chase, the Prix du President de la RepubliqueCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

Zurekin's presence in the line-up for Saturday's €165,000 Prix La Barka at Auteuil is a victory in itself for the husband and wife training team of Sophie and Christian Leech.

The progressive five-year-old carries the colours of owner James Finch and will not go unbacked by PMU punters that have become well versed in the yard's surgical raids on France.

Christian Leech admits it is at the insistence of Finch and another of their principal backers, Geoff Thompson, that the operation began regular forays across the English Channel.

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Scott BurtonFrance correspondent

Published on 10 June 2021inInternational

Last updated 19:42, 10 June 2021

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