ENGLISH TEXTS wanted to win the Prix Cambacérès( Gr. 1) with him and he thought he was a real chaser. It’ s not fun, but it’ s part of life.
G. Always very available to the media, François is highly appreciated by punters. How do you explain that?
F. N. We need punters in order to be able to work: they are the basis of the funding. So it is extremely important to speak to the press and François does not understand why some trainers decide not to talk anymore. With his frankness and sense of humour, he is well liked by punters whom he respects a lot. At the same time, punters have good taste, because I am deeply convinced that François is the best!( laughs)
G. And on a golf green, is he also the best?
F. N. We are not great players, but we enjoy ourselves on the course. When we go on holiday or to Deauville, golf clubs are never far away. I do try to get him out of his daily routine a little. It’ s good for the mind to be interested in something else. It’ s not easy to do what you want with a busy schedule, but we do manage, from time to time, to go to a football match or a concert. As I’ ve always loved motor-racing, I managed to introduce him to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in exceptional conditions. A big fan of television, François is particularly interested in documentaries and major sporting events.
G. With your basketball experience, which position would he be best in on a court?
F. N. François would make a very good point guard. With his big mouth, he’ d manage to motivate the troops( laughs)!
RECIPE
HARMONY BLOSSOM, SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
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Ireland continues to be in the spotlight in this issue with one of its most renowned Irish concept stores in France, Le Comptoir Irlandais. Created in 1987, the brand now includes 54 shops throughout France, as well as an online store, offering a fine selection of teas, clothing, gourmet food and refined gifts inspired by Irish and British culture.
Le Comptoir Irlandais in Deauville is proposing this month an original cocktail recipe, paying tribute to balance and finesse, and celebrating the Emerald Isle and the international spirit embodied by Willie Mullins.
Harmony Blossom, signature cocktail A floral and elegant cocktail, highlighting the smoothness of Hibiki.
INGREDIENTS 50 ml Hibiki Japanese Harmony 10 ml elderflower liqueur( St-Germain or equivalent) 10 ml fresh lemon juice 1 dash of honey( diluted with a bit of hot water, 1:1) 2 dashes orange blossom bitters( optional)
METHOD Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 – 12 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange zest or an edible flower petal.
Profile fresh, floral, balanced, lightly honeyed. An excellent aperitif. Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation.
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HORS CHAMPS
PATRICK MULLINS
One of the most striking images of 2025 will remain Willie Mullins’ tears after the victory of his son, Patrick, in the Randox Grand National aboard Nick Rockett. After winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf( Gr. 1) with Ethical Diamond, the champion trainer even declared:“ It doesn’ t overshadow Patrick’ s win, but it comes close.” The hero of this statement, Patrick, is not only one of the best amateur jockeys, crowned champion 16 times, but also the one who gave his father his 100 th winner at Cheltenham in 2024, the same year in which he won the title of“ Racing Writer of the Year” for his beautiful literary pen, especially in the columns of the Racing Post. Universally appreciated and praised, the newly-become father is assistant to his dad.
A HORSE Hurricane Fly. He knew the aim
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