ENGLISH TEXTS
FAMILY
BUSI- NESS
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A breath of youth is sweeping through horse racing , bringing ambition and renewal . As the yearling sales wrap up for the year , the pre-training yards are at full capacity and anticipation builds for the debut of the next generation of two-year-olds , another fresh energy is making itself felt . A new generation is taking the reins , demonstrating ambition not only for themselves but for the industry that has nurtured them from a young age .
This spotlight focuses on those under 35 who are skillfully carrying on their family legacy - by taking up the mantle , or forging their own path entirely . These family sagas feature sons and daughters who bring a passionate energy to writing their own stories , blending heritage with innovation , societal evolution , hard work , ambition and big dreams .
Through a sector-by-sector breakdown of breeding sales , and training , we take the pulse of this new generation . A selection based on numbers and recent developments offers a glimpse into this rising wave , though it represents only a portion of the iceberg of this new cohort establishing itself in the world of horse racing .
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BREEDING
JUSTINE DE LAGENESTE
By Cécile Adonias
Galorama : What is your background , and how is the family transition unfolding ?
Justine de Lageneste : I followed a general academic path and completed the Irish National Stud Course during the COVID year . I worked as an administrative assistant at Écurie des Monceaux , took part in sales in France and New Zealand and gained experience in training in France and the United States , as well as in breeding in Ireland . The transition at the stud farm is going well . I had already completed a breeding season in 2022 and worked alongside my mother in the administrative aspects . I ’ ve learned a lot from her , especially about managing human resources . She had a unique perspective on operations , and I ’ m trying to fill her shoes now . The transition is very gradual , and the team in place is loyal and close-knit .
G : What inspires you most about your parents ’ or family ’ s achievements ?
JDL : Breeding for racing . We always breed with the goal of running the horses ourselves , rather than focusing solely on sales . These are long-term decisions rather than purely commercial ones . The best advice my parents gave me is to always work toward the future , focus on long-term goals , and maintain a broader perspective .
G : One quality and one flaw you inherited from your parents ?
JDL : From my father , I ’ ve inherited the ability to step back , put things into perspective , and approach situations with a touch of philosophy . From my mother , I ’ ve adopted her ambition to constantly seek improvement .
G : How do you balance tradition and innovation ?
JDL : Tradition is the backbone of our work . It helps us stay grounded and reminds us of our roots . We ’ ve made many non-commercial decisions that prioritize the long-term over shortterm gains . Innovation challenges tradition by pushing us to rethink how we work , how to be more efficient and how to save time . I ’ m the fourth generation working at the stud farm , and my goal is to ensure its continuity . My grandfather had one “ golden ” horse , my father had many ( laughs ) and I hope to continue their legacy .
G : What would your ideal pairing be for your breeding program in 2025 ?
JDL : A dream match would be De Bon Cœur with Dubawi ! But back to reality , De Bon Cœur crossed with Doctor Dinowould be excellent . No Risk At All is another strong candidate due to an interesting inbreeding link to Mill Reef for jumps racing .
G : What is your dream ?
JDL : My main goal is to sustain the stud farm created by my great-grandfather , Maurice de Lageneste . We have yet to win the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris and achieving that is a key objective-it ’ s what gets us up every morning .
G : Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you daily ?
JDL : Doing well isn ’ t enough ; we must strive to do better .
G : What is your perspective on the breeding market and its key challenges for 2025 ? What role do young people play ?
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