ENGLISH TEXTS
Fabre , emphasized long distances . My father also believed in maintaining a consistent routine , tailoring effort to each horse — a steady canter as the foundation , and galloping based on race needs .”
Victoria describes herself as a solitary person . “ I love the mornings-watching my horses , talking to the trees ,” she says with a laugh . But this solitude doesn ’ t stop her from obsessing over race entries , which she considers the cornerstone of success .
Three years into her career , her stable has grown from 3 to 45 horses . “ I ’ m lucky to have three major ownerbreeders , George Strawbridge , Gestüt Schlenderhan and Yeguada Centurion .” It took a year for Raysteve to score her first win , but this year , she ’ s crossed 20 victories and surpassed half a million euros in earnings .
Her two-year-olds are thriving-a specialty of hers . “ I love shaping young horses . A horse is like an athlete . It ’ s important for them to race at two . They won ’ t all be champions , but I ’ m fortunate to have quality horses : promising two-year-olds and threeyear-olds with lots of potential .” The Yeguada is dreaming of a Jockey Club win with the unraced Frankly Good Cen ( Frankel ). Her personal dream ? “ A Gr . 1 win , like everyone else . But at Ascot , that ’ s my dream . And with the family silks .”
Strength : Constant self-reflection — making the right choices without regret .
Weakness : “ I can brood for 24 hours . This career can drive you crazy .”
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NOEL GEORGE
Yes , the trainer of Il est Français is English . And , as if the irony wasn ’ t rich enough , he ’ s only 25 years old . With such an impressive résumé , owners are already vying for his attention . But they know well that his success is closely tied to Amanda Zetterholm . Two years after starting out , Noel George ’ s meteoric rise is thanks to a seamless partnership with his Swedish associate . He handles the horses and training ; she manages the breeding and the clients . “ It ’ s a perfect team . It allows me to focus on racing . Our 80 stalls are full . It ’ s an excellent setup with Amanda , especially since she also oversees our young team .”
The duo has already amassed over € 2 million in prize money , quickly climbed into the top 7 of jumps trainers , and is closing in on their 100 th victory . With wins in France and across the Channel , Noel George is leading the charge for the new generation .
“ I was fortunate to have quality horses in my stable from the start , but I never imagined achieving these results so quickly . It ’ s incredible ! My father advises me a lot . If I ever have doubts , he ’ s the first person I call .” Paradoxically , this rapid success is built on patience : “ You can ’ t rush with horses . The best approach is to wait for the right moment before pressing the button .”
Raised in the fervor of Cheltenham , the boy from Down Farm in Gloucestershire , west of London , has inherited a proud legacy . “ On both sides ,” he emphasizes . “ My father has won over 950 races , and my maternal grandfather more than 2,000 .”
Operating out of his father ’ s satellite yard , the youngest of trainers is in his element . “ I know everyone here . Since I started speaking French , I ’ ve felt much more accepted . I ’ m close friends with Hugo Merienne , Tim Donworth ... There are many top young trainers in Chantilly . We ’ re here to claim our spot . I always want to win . In France , my dream is the Grand Steeple . In England , a Gr . 1 at the Cheltenham Festival . And I ’ d love to see racing in France recapture the same energy as it has in England . Recently at Ascot , the atmosphere was insane !”
As about 20 of his horses are preparing for the Cagnes-sur-Mer meeting , one question remains : Will Il est Français repeat last year ’ s feat in the King George VI at Kempton the day after Christmas ? “ We ’ ll see . Last time ( when he pulled up ) wasn ’ t anything serious ; he ’ s in great shape .”
Strength : “ Patience and confidence in my decisions , which helps me take bold risks .”
Weakness : “ Perhaps overconfidence at times . But I trust my horses , and occasionally , you have to take risks .”
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TIM DONWORTH
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With a hundredth win in sight , six Listed victories , about ten black-type wins and an 18 % success rate in just three years , the Roundhill Stud graduate from Southwestern Ireland
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