ENGLISH TEXTS
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THIBAULT DE SEYSSEL
Galorama : What is your background , and how does the family transition take place ?
Thibault de Seyssel : Our family has been involved in horse racing for years . My first memory is when my father purchased horses , including Imperiator , who placed third in the Prix Djebel ( Gr . 3 ). That marked the start of my interest in racing . Academically , I studied business in Rotterdam and Italy and interned with trainers Philippe Decouz and Nicolas de Lagenest during summers . I also worked with Nicolas Clément , with whome we created the still-active Shamrock Racing syndicate . I recently returned from 18 months in the U . S ., where I worked as a racing manager for MyHorserace in California .
G : What inspires you most about your family ’ s accomplishments ?
TS : My father created the Écurie Seyssel , in which all the children are partners . We were fortunate to own Do Re Mi Fa Sol , a Wootton Bassett filly who won a Listed race and placed in a Gr . 3 . Personally , my standout memory is purchasing my first horse , Go Athletico , who won a Gr . 3 and allowed us to compete in the Breeders ’ Cup together .
G : A characteristic you ’ ve inherited from your family ?
TS : Open-mindedness . My father always encouraged me to travel , explore abroad and be curious about both professional and personal growth .
G : What are your goals for your work ?
TS : I recently joined the Haras de Beaumont , focusing on selling stallion services , syndicating stallions and inspecting foals sired by our stallions . I ’ m excited to work closely with breeders in this new role .
G : What ’ s your view on the recent surge in prices ?
TS : New investors , like Kia Joorabchian , have reshaped the market . It remains to be seen if such high prices are sustainable , but it ’ s been advantageous for French agencies , who ’ ve gained buyers sidelined from UK sales .
G : Is it easy for the younger generation to establish themselves in this field ?
TS : It ’ s challenging and requires hard work , but I ’ ve been fortunate to learn from mentors like Nicolas Clément and to experience sales at Keeneland and in Japan . Passion and dedication open doors .
G : Do you use digital tools ?
TS : I rely heavily on platforms like Weatherbys and Goldmine . These tools provide invaluable insights , such as horse ratings , past trainers and bloodline cross simulations .
G : A mantra or quote that inspires you ?
TS : I ’ m fond of Hegel ’ s quote : “ Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion .”
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THOMAS LEFFRAY
Galorama : Can you tell us about your background and how the family transition took place ?
Thomas Leffray : My parents have been based in the Sarthe region for over thirty years , and they have always been involved in horse breeding . As for me , I ’ ve been fortunate to travel extensively . I ’ ve had the opportunity to visit England , Ireland , Australia , New Zealand and the USA . In 2017 , I completed the Irish National Stud program and for a little over four years now , I ’ ve been working at ARQANA in the NH bloodstock section . At the same time , I am partnered with my parents and brother in the family breeding business .
G . What do you find most inspiring about your family ’ s accomplishments ?
TL : We had the joy of breeding Allaho , a son of Not Risk At All , who won the John Durkan Chase ( Gr . 1 ) at Punchestown in 2021 , as well as the Ryanair Steeple Chase at Cheltenham in 2022 . We were there that day and it was incredible ! To raise a Group I winner with only two broodmares is exceptional . We talk a lot as a family-honestly , we almost exclusively talk about breeding . My parents bring their practical and technical expertise , while I focus more on studying bloodlines .
G . Is there a character trait you ’ ve inherited from your family ?
TL : My father is someone who is persistent and determined ; he never gives up . I believe I ’ ve inherited that trait , although I think it ’ s also inseparable from the world of horse racing .
G . What goals have you set for your work ?
TL : My role at ARQANA is to search for NH horses-in-training and yearlings . As for the family breeding operation , we ’ ve expanded from two to four broodmares . We want to increase the herd slightly , but we don ’ t have enough space for a large operation , so we ’ re focusing on quality . We ’ ve kept two sisters of Allaho in hopes of breeding another Group winner .
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