ENGLISH TEXTS of British jockeys has shone:“ In summer in England, there aren’ t many jump races,” recalls James Reveley.“ I had the opportunity to do a summer internship in Royan in 2008, with Guillaume Macaire. I came back several times before finally settling in 2016.” Alongside the Royan master, the triple Cravache d’ Or winner would experience his first rides, his first victories, and his first Group 1 successes. With So French,“ Jimmy”, as some call him, landed his first Grand Steeplechase de Paris at Auteuil in 2016, before retaining his title with that same So French the following year. On The Go, in 2018, enabled him to enter history for a third consecutive year. A dazzling and unbelievable rise for this young Brit, as friendly as he is talented. Although a freelancer, James Reveley, the first jockey for the yard of Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm, has enjoyed tremendous success since returning to Auteuil.“ I met Noel( George) before he set up on his own, when he was in Chantilly with Fabrice Chappet. Being English, we got to know each other a little. I had the opportunity to ride for his father when he had runners in France. He has always called on me since his installation and I’ m lucky to ride very good horses for them.” Together, this shock trio has won 10 Stakes races this season, including the Racing TV Grande Course de Haies d’ Auteuil( Gr. 1) with El Clavel— a first victory in this spring Group 1 at Auteuil for the Brit. Just days before the major autumn event at Auteuil, the NH 48h de l’ Obstacle and its 11 Stakes races, James Reveley hopes to one day inscribe his name on the roll of honour of the Prix La Haye Jousselin( Gr. 1).“ I’ ve won the Grand Steeplechase de Paris three times, but never La Haye Jousselin. I’ ve often been placed but not yet victorious. It’ s one of my goals. I would also be delighted to win a big race at home, in England.” Partnered with the champion Il Est Français, the last horse to give him a top-level title across the Channel, he will ride Kolokico, runner-up to Diamond Carl in the latest Défi des Haras Grand Steeplechase de Paris( Gr. 1), hoping to break the ice in this mythical and legendary event on the Butte Mortemart. Victorious in his 1,000 th race on January 27, 2023 in Pau, 36-year-old James Reveley keeps in mind the idea of one day seeing his name appear among the trainers.“ When I was injured for a long time in 2023, I used the opportunity to complete my trainer’ s course and obtain my licence. It’ s not relevant just yet, but it could be useful in the future.” The British jockey, currently fourth in the Cravache d’ Or standings, has no intention of hanging up his boots.“ I feel good. I’ m managing my weight and I hope to finish this year on the Cravache d’ Or podium. The title seems hard to reach, but being in the Top 3 would be a personal pride.” Ambition and boldness are not lacking for the winner of the 2024 Prix Président de la République at Auteuil. Everyone remembers his post-race interview where he called out President Emmanuel Macron, demanding answers about his residency permit, three years after applying. By chance or coincidence, his call was heard.“ A month after my statement on Equidia, I received a call from the prefecture telling me that my application had been processed and accepted. Now I’ ve got full powers- well, almost, I don’ t have the right to vote in France, but at least my papers are in order!” Without a doubt, many in the months and years to come would gladly vote for James Reveley— a complete candidate, feared and formidable in all three jumping disciplines.
UNE
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PART 1: WILLIE MULLINS AND HIS MANY TALENTS
WILLIE MULLINS, THE APOTHEOSIS OF A FAMILY SAGA
BY SERGE OKEY
Superlatives are beginning to run short when it comes to describing the firepower and mind-blowing achievements of the Irish virtuoso Willie Mullins. Already regarded as a living myth, the man of all records stands as the pinnacle of a dynasty that started from nothing and to which, clearly, nothing can stand in the way anymore.
In the land of the shamrock and Saint Patrick, of James Joyce and U2, of Guinness and Gaelic football, it is said that legends are as countless as the sheep in Connemara or the pubs in the country. Around Ballymoon Castle for instance, in this Leinster province linked to Dublin by a Grand Canal, an old druid tells that the horses trained nearby jump so high and so far
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