ENGLISH TEXTS
Nocturne now allows him to bring together his two great passions: racing … and travel. But above all, the chance to live a dream.
The elegance of law, the spirit of horses If Paolo Zambelli is primarily known as a lawyer, to define him only as such would be reductive. A fine strategist in international law and a recognized expert in corporate acquisitions, he has for years led a life divided between Italy, Switzerland, France and the United States, where he resides almost half of the year. A cosmopolitan journey, reflecting a refined and demanding personality, yet always faithful to his passions.“ I started riding when I was seven years old. My aunt, a rider in Italy, passed this passion on to me.” An amateur rider for over a decade and president of the owners’ association in Italy at a time when racing still carried prestige there, Paolo Zambelli has always moved with elegance in a constantly changing world.
From San Siro to Chantilly: a thoughtful change of stable“ The presence of Alessandro Botti was decisive in transferring my horses to France. To move a passion abroad, you need to rely on a serious, rigorous professional you trust completely. Alessandro combines all these qualities. France is still a country where you can enjoy ownership at every level.” Thus began Paolo Zambelli’ s
French adventure:“ My first horse was a filly called Be Magic. That was in the early 1990s. She gave me a lot of satisfaction. She was trained by Alduino Botti, then by Maria Sacco.” A detail stands out: the collaboration with Maria Sacco, a rare female trainer at the time.“ She used to ride her horses herself. She was a great professional, truly attentive to her athletes.”
Presage Nocturne: a dream in motion Today, it is through Presage Nocturne that Paolo Zambelli thrills.“ The horse is a dream. Even if the results are not always there, having a horse that makes you dream is already immense happiness. In Riyadh, during the Saudi Cup, there was a moment when we thought we might win … an unforgettable shiver. Being invited to such a prestigious meeting as the Saudi Cup is an experience hard to describe. Congratulations to all the organizers: everything was carefully thought out so that we felt pampered and treated like stars! My wife( Giulia) and I shared happy and moving moments with the other partners and our trainer. It strengthens everything: the bond, the trust, the attachment; that is the driving force of our sport.”
Australia in sight“ I never imagined racing in Australia. And yet, this dream is gradually taking shape. It’ s more than a sporting adventure. It’ s an opportunity to discover other cultures, other racecourses … and to create more unforgettable memories. For Australians, it’ s‘ the race that stops a nation’! Imagine the weight that reality carries for an owner whose greatest happiness, some years ago, was to win even a handicap in Italy! We’ re going all in. Fingers crossed!”
Objective: Group races“ The goal is clear: to have a horse competing regularly in Group races. Of course, to have a horse like Frankel would be the ultimate summit … But those are exceptions. The important thing is to aim for excellence, while remaining realistic and rigorous in selection.”
HORSE
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By Loïc Stecher Chocron
NICORENI, THE NEW GER- MAN PRINCESS
She is slight, weighing only 450 kilos, but brimming with class. How far can Nicoreni, winner of the 2025 Preis der Diana, go? Here is an interview with Franziska Altewille-Jacobs, director of Gestüt Ebbesloh, her breeder-owner- a stud farm that will celebrate its 100 th anniversary next year.
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