ENGLISH TEXTS
access to European subsidies via the CAP( Common Agricultural Policy). If the Fonds Eperon is to evolve to reflect the racing sector’ s economic reality, the sector should not forget that strength lies in unity.
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A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER STEERING COMMITTEE
The Éperon Fund’ s decisions are made by a committee that meets monthly. It comprises eight members:
1 representative from the National Horse Federation( FNC): Laurent Prénat, Breeder of Camargue horses
1 ex officio member: Hélène Dal Corso, President of the Éperon Fund
1 representative from the Ministry of Agriculture’ s horse bureau: Florence Gravier( advisory vote only)
The Éperon Fund employs a full-time secretary and its part-time secretary general, Jean de Chevigny.
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A civil servant at the Ministry of Agriculture, she served as secretary general of the FNCH for four years, until 2013. She is also a member of the Clairefontaine racing society.“ Even though I’ m not currently working in the equine field, horses have been the guiding thread of my professional life,” she says.“ The Fonds Eperon links the various components of the horse industry- it makes it whole.”
MEET
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1 representative from France Galop: Anthony Baudouin, Board member and owner of Haras du Hoguenet
1 representative from Le Trot: Olivier de Seyssel, Vice-president of Le Trot and president of the horse industry
1 representative from the FNCH: Pierre Préaud, Its secretary general
3 representatives from regional Horse Councils: Currently Nouvelle- Aquitaine, Anjou-Maine, and Bourgogne- Franche-Comté
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HÉLÈNE DAL CORSO, A UNIFYING PRESIDENT
A veterinarian by training, the brilliant yet discreet Hélène Dal Corso, 55, has been president of the É Fonds Eperon since 2021— a volunteer role. Currently a veterinary public health inspector and head of food safety at the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection in Seine-Maritime, she has a panoramic understanding of France’ s equine sector, having held various positions over her career.
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By Emmanuel Rivron
FRANCIS-HENRI GRAFFARD THROUGH THE EYES OF LISA-JANE GRAFFARD
RIGOR AS A LEITMOTIF
With nearly one winner every three races, Francis-Henri Graffard has shifted into a higher gear this year, much like his numerous Group winners. Methodical and meticulous, this son of the Charolais region has steadily climbed the ranks season after season, accompanied by his wife Lisa-Jane Graffard, herself an expert in the horse racing world. And
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