The former event rider, who made a winning return to international action in Hoogboom’s Europa Cup Final last year, was Ireland’s sole rider in the recent CSIV classes at Fontainebleau, some of which attracted huge entries of almost 100 combinations.

Gervais racked up a string of top 10 and top 20 placings with Pepper Pot (Ard Grandpa) and Tito (Lux Z) including a very creditable seventh in the Large Tour 1.25m Grand Prix AJA Europa Cup with Tito. The duo jumped clear in 50.55 seconds in the competitive feature event which was won by France’s Guy Rohmer on Pagney Du Fleury, clear in 42.50.