ENGLISH TEXTS
French clientele came later , thanks to our good results ,” explains Zetterholm , who previously worked for the Aga Khan Studs . “ What we offer is the chance to buy promising young French horses at reasonable prices and benefit from our advantageous system . A major advantage for us is that these owners tend to keep their horses , so we can develop them into older racehorses for the French circuit .” However , these foreign clients sometimes express disappointment about the lack of atmosphere at French racetracks . “ They are surprised and ask if there are always so few spectators !” Cross-Border Success Among George and Zetterholm ’ s foreign clients is OTI Management , an Australian syndicate founded in 1999 by businessman Terry Henderson and former cricketer Simon O ’ Donnell . Specializing in importing thoroughbreds to Australia and managing syndicates , OTI oversees 170 racehorses worldwide , along with 30 broodmares . “ France ’ s incentive system for owners and breeders is the best in the world ,” says Henderson . “ In 2006 , we started sourcing horses in France for export to Australia . Then , after experiencing the French system , we decided to make it our European base for purchasing and racing horses . The centralized racing structure under France Galop is a major advantage , providing stability in key areas such as training
centers and the racing program .”
A Scottish Racing Dynasty The Scottish couple Lynne and Angus MacLennan began their French adventure with Bon Augure ( My Risk ), a ten-time winner . After a severe injury in 2015 , he made a remarkable comeback , winning the Prix des Drags ( Gr . 2 ) in 2017 under Adrien Lacombe ’ s training . “ That victory is our best memory in France ,” says Lynne MacLennan . “ But when we won , all the spectators had already left , and we were alone on the racecourse !” Despite the quieter French racing atmosphere compared to Cheltenham — where they own a private box — the MacLennans feel more valued in France . “ We feel recognized and respected . We are integrated , consulted by our trainers . The welcome for owners could be improved in France , particularly at Parisian racecourses . But in Britain , racing has shifted toward entertainment , focusing on selling as many tickets as possible — like a music festival !” Having fallen in love with France , where they have built strong friendships , the MacLennans even bought a house in Brittany in 2015 . Their racing colors are among the most prestigious in French jump racing , with horses like Kingland , the brilliant 2024 Prix Renaud du Vivier ( Gr . 1 ) winner . “ We have a better chance of being competitive in France because the system is not dominated by a few major owners . Even for us , it is very difficult to win at Cheltenham .” However , like many foreign owners , they have chosen not to choose exclusively . Their colors shine on both sides of the Channel , as do those of Oliver Pawle , Ailsa and Drew Russell , and OTI Management in Australia — a way to combine the excellence of the French system with the thrilling atmosphere of international race meetings .
FROM THE BREED- ERS ’ FEDERATION
Among the 1,626 members of the Fédération des Éleveurs du Galop who are up to date with their membership fees , 117 are foreign , representing just over 7 %. The most common nationalities are Belgians ( 18 ), English ( 16 ) and Italians ( 14 ).
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MATT COLEMAN : “ MORE AND MORE ENGLISH BREEDERS ARE LOOK- ING TO FRANCE ”
Partnered since 2006 with agent Anthony Stroud in the Stroud Coleman Bloodstock agency based in Newmarket , Matt Cole-
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