This Sunday, Hip Hop Conti embarks on the final leg of his conquest to win the Grand Prix de Pau for the second year running. Highlight of the year on the French cross-country calendar, regular jockey Clément Lefebvre will endeavour to win the prestigious 6300m race for a third time. We asked the seasoned jockey a few questions about the weekend ahead.

Did Hip Hop Conti impress you when winning the last prep?

Yes, however in the sense that we were giving away 4kg to Saint Godefroy. I didn’t think we could beat him.

From the outside, his preparation has looked ideal

Precisely. It was [trainer Emmanuel ] Mr. Clayeux’s intention to run all the preps so his physical form would crescendo. The first was excellent, running without pressure, and then he suddenly seemed to get it. Previously, we used to keep him out the back; now we can put him anywhere. Since last year, he’s put on mass, and is stronger. Physically he’s almost perfect. I know I shouldn’t tempt fate but he’s close to his peak.

He looks a very confident jumper

He can sometimes be a bit lazy over the smaller jumps but he’s still very good. But it’s still a cross-country course. We saw Saint Godefroy come down [the only fall of his career] which we never thought would happen.

How will the recent rain affect your chances?

Heavy ground shouldn’t bother him. He’s a bit better on good going but he has already won under these conditions.

Who worries you?

Apart from Saint Godefroy, I like Illico. He has enough class to win over hurdles and was very good in the discipline last month. He may not have the experience of others but Hip Hop was like that last year and still did well.