ENGLISH TEXTS
il.“ A win in Paris is missing from my record. It’ s not easy for me to find rides in French amateur steeplechases, as the weights are lower than ours, but I think I’ ve got a horse for the Prix Maréchal Foch in May. Winning over Auteuil’ s iconic jumps is one of my priorities.”
A Sense of History Among his many titles, Patrick Mullins was named Racing Writer of the Year in 2024. A surprising award for a jockey— until you read the pieces he pens in the Racing Post. Fresh, humorous, outspoken— he finds the perfect words and tone to share the tension of the weighing room, the adrenaline of a steeplechase, or an adventure like the Velka Pardubice.“ It all started when I entered a writing competition a few years ago, telling the story of my first Grand National ride. We fell at Becher’ s Brook, but I ended up winning the competition— joint first place. I really enjoy writing, and it means even more to me when someone compliments an article than a ride! But I’ m definitely an amateur journalist— I have the luxury of writing what I want, when I want.” And there should be no shortage of stories in the future to add more chapters to the Mullins dynasty bestseller.
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
DATA
RACING
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By Bruno Barbereau
SECTIONALS AND REVELATIONS: DECODING THE CONTENDERS FOR THE 2025 POULES D’ ESSAI
“ In the Poules, no one wins by chance. It’ s a race of tempo, positioning... and acceleration.” The Poules d’ Essai des Poulains and Pouliches( Gr. 1), two of spring’ s Classic highlights at ParisLongchamp, are fast approaching. Five key prep races have spoken, and a careful reading of sectional times and speed indicators paints a clearer picture of the horses most likely to shine over the 1,600 meters of the main track. Through times, rhythms, and stamina metrics, who’ s standing out— and what weaknesses might be exposed when it matters most?
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PRIX DJEBEL( GR. 3): A SHOWCASE OF SPEED
Maranoa Charlie made a strong impression in the Prix Djebel. He broke quickly( early pace 99) and dominated from start to finish, still having enough in reserve to clock a final 400m in 23.49s, after setting consistently fast fractions throughout. With a Speed Rating of 94, it’ s easily the top speed figure among the prep races. Woodshauna’ s closing 400m in 23.22s is also notable in such a fastpaced race, showing he possesses a finishing kick that could see him handle more than 1,400 meters.
Maranoa Charlie
+ speed, toughness, consistency
- if the ground is testing or the pace too fierce. 1,600m is likely his upper limit, he’ ll need a lot to go right.
Woodshauna
+ strong acceleration ability
- may burn too much energy, perhaps just a notch below the top tier, but shows a solid speed / acceleration balance.
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PRIX DE FONTAINEB- LEAU( GR. 3): CONSISTENT BUT UNSPECTACULAR
In this other key prep, Ridari came out on top. With a final time of 1:38.02 over 1,600m and a Sectional Rating of 88, he displayed a reliable profile combining stamina and acceleration- but without
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