ENGLISH TEXTS who better than the former representative of the Godolphin silks in France to tell us about the current number one trainer?
Galorama. Under what circumstances did you meet Francis?
Lisa-Jane Graffard. We were among the twelve students selected for the very first class of the Darley Flying Start program, in 2003. It was a fantastic opportunity for both of us. Despite previous experience working for a Breeze Up consignor in the U. S., Francis didn’ t speak English very well. It was actually quite funny. But since he’ s a great communicator, he still managed to make himself understood.
G. How did he rise to the challenge of such an international program?
L-J. G. Intelligent and hard-working, Francis quickly improved his English. After the Darley Flying Start, we lived together for three years in Newmarket. He worked as an assistant to John Ferguson and was Darley’ s representative in Europe. He oversaw nearly 700 horses between England and France. He stopped after three years because his real goal had always been to become a trainer. That’ s why he joined Alain de Royer-Dupré as an assistant.
G. What was his mindset when he struck out on his own?
L-J. G. Like all trainers, he start-
ed with a lot of positivity. Everything comes down to hard work. He did everything possible to succeed, without overthinking it. You need a certain level of self-confidence when deciding to go independent.
G. How many horses did he have in training at the very beginning?
L-J. G.: Starting out was tougher than expected, with only six horses in training. In our previous experiences, many owners and breeders had promised to send us horses when we launched— but in reality, it’ s not that simple. Each step becomes crucial to attract new owners: the first win, the first two-yearold victory, the first Stakes success... Fortunately, those milestones came quickly. The stable grew rapidly. You have to learn to manage horse flows as well as staff. From the early years, we had opportunities. You must never turn away owners, and adapt as you go. That’ s another challenge, but Francis has the ability to adapt and anticipate. While working for Alain de Royer-Dupré, he stayed in the yard and learned how to run a stable. Knowing whether you’ re over- or understaffed is essential to him. For instance, last year, he hired two additional managers before the horses even arrived. He aims to recruit the best and have them ready from the start of the season.
G. What do you remember about the first Group 1 win with Erupt in the Grand Prix de Paris?
L-J. G. It was quite magical and very emotional. We work hard for moments like that. We were thrilled for the Niarchos family. Maria loves to support young trainers and remains loyal no matter what. I had worked with her, and winning our first Group 1 for her was truly special. On top of that, Francis had to supplement the colt to run in that prestigious race, which added extra pressure. It was a bold move, and he was right to see it through!
G. How does he handle such high-stakes events?
L-J. G. It’ s a tough profession, and there’ s no trainer in the world who isn’ t ever stressed. Francis handles the pressure very well. It’ s part and parcel of a job that involves a lot of responsibility. As a business leader, he has to manage horses, staff, and owners. He learned early on that bad news should never be delayed— it’ s better not to carry that burden too long.
G. How many employees does he have and how does he manage them?
L-J. G. Francis manages around fifty employees. He has a fantastic team. I really noticed this when I stopped working with Godolphin and began helping out at the yard. The team is well drilled, structured around his assistant Romain Dupasquier, who succeeded the devot-
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