ENGLISH VERSION the city, but for a very long time the shop also supplied racing silks. When Charles- Henry and Golvine de Vaucelles took over the store in February 2023, racing silks had not been produced for several years due to a lack of demand. Golvine de Vaucelles told us that this was not an irreversible decision, provided of course that there is a sufficiently large clientele for this type of product … A message to all those nostalgic for this institution!
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE RACING SILK ACCORDING TO PETITPAS, THE OLDEST FRENCH SADDLERY
BY ALICE BAUDRELLE
Founded in 1880, Petitpas is the oldest saddlery in France and manufactures its racing silks itself in Laval. Sales representative within the company, Théo Hurel explained to us how several key factors contributed to the evolution of materials:
“ About fifteen years ago, Petitpas was acquired by the group that owns Hippomat, Abrivert and France Industrie Maréchalerie. Hippomat is a fairly complementary saddlery business specialising in trotting equipment. As far as the manufacturing of racing silks is concerned, we had to evolve for several reasons: customer demand, fashion and prices. We had to meet the new needs of jockeys in terms of quality, but above all weight and comfort. Fashion has also contributed to the evolution of racing silks, particularly regarding the choice of materials. Today, we use certain materials because they correspond to current trends, but we could use others. At Petitpas, 98 % of flat racing silks are made of satin, and only a tiny part of our clientele asks for lycra. Silk is far more expensive and less durable than satin, and both materials are similar in terms of lightness. As the prices of racing silks have increased, we are obliged to work with less expensive materials, hence the arrival of satin to replace silk. In the future, lycra could perhaps become more widespread: nothing is more durable and the fabric is stretchable, very comfortable, but also much cheaper than satin. We have had a few requests, mainly from abroad.” As for the manufacturing process, Théo Hurel gave us a few figures:“ At least 4 metres of fabric are needed to make a racing silk and its cap. Between cutting and assembly, this represents between 17 and 20 hours of work.” It should be noted that racing silk manufacturers do not need to be approved by France Galop in order to carry out this activity.
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MANUFACTURING AND RETAILING: TWO AREAS OF EXPERTISE THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO COMBINE
BY ALICE BAUDRELLE
Based in Normandy, Adele Brizard founded Elgin Equestrian in 2009. This distribution brand markets numerous products intended for people involved in racing, including racing silks, which are manufactured in England. Adele Brizard explained:
“ I offer many different products such as quarter sheets, blankets, racing equipment and racing silks, but it is too difficult to be both a retailer and a manufacturer at the same time, so I focus on distribution. As I have taken part in several AQPS model and gait competitions, most of my clients come from the NH racing world. Louisa Carberry, for example, regularly buys racing silks from Elgin Equestrian, and they can be seen on racecourses all over France. I mainly sell ultra-light printed satin racing silks with press studs on the front, which makes them easier to fasten. The quality is impeccable, and the service is fast.” Among the other distributors of racing silks in France are Hippomat in Laval and Dalie Horse Racing, which is based in Cabriès.
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