ENGLISH TEXTS
the only problem with racing today is the turnover of horse racing betting . It must be approached from a quantitative point of view , to ensure the financing of the activity , and from a qualitative point of view , so that horse racing betting regains its place in our contemporary society . More than the faces , it is the philosophy that must evolve .
4I have seen Vincennes ,
Evry , Chantilly , Longchamp and Maisons-Laffitte disfigured or abandoned . These are the places where I learned about racing . Touching them is like damaging the face of a loved one for me . I think of that film ,“ Le Miroir à deux faces ” (“ The Mirror Has Two Faces ”), with Bourvil and Michèle Morgan , which intrigued me so much as a child . I like what is old , what is weathered , even a little crooked . I hate destruction , make-up and plastic surgery .
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ARA- BIANS
� PAGE 88
By Cécile Adonias
THE ONE WHO WRITES HISTORY
Al Ghadeer is the greatest Purebred Arabian of all time and the first horse in history to win the prestigious Triple Crown twice , following a stunning victory in the Gr . 1- PA HH The Amir Sword over 2,400 meters at Al Uqda on February 16 . Sportting the colors of Al Shaqab Racing at the highest level , he is a son of Al Mourtajez , who is also making waves as a stallion . Trainer François Rohaut speaks about his champion , a horse of a lifetime .
Galorama . You and Al Ghadeer have achieved an extraordinary feat . A week later , how do you feel ? How is Al Ghadeer doing ?
François Rohaut . Al Ghadeer is doing well . He is on vacation at Haras de Lauze , under the care of Thomas Fourcy and Yann Creff ’ s team . He will stay there for two months . He deserves it , and he needs to recharge before coming back stronger . As for me , I ’ m doing well . I feel relieved , relieved that the job was well done , that the entire team ’ s work paid off and that everything went smoothly . We were confident and the horse rewarded us for it .
G . How did you feel during his victory ?
F . R . Relief - that ’ s really the word ! Unfortunately , things didn ’ t go smoothly in Doha . The events , issues with the track , and the jockeys ’ movement - which was understandable - caused some disruptions . Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani and his team made the right decisions to ensure that the races could take place under proper conditions .
G . Do you train Al Ghadeer differently from other Purebred Arabians ?
F . R . Al Ghadeer follows the same training regimen as all other Purebred Arabians . The only difference is that for serious gallops , we need a Thoroughbred to push him all the way . He knows his job well , and with age , he ’ s learned to take life as it comes while preserving himself . If we train him alongside another Purebred Arabian , he will outclass them , which isn ’ t the goal . Arabians are very sensitive to morale , so their mental well-being is crucial .
G . In what ways is Al Ghadeer different from other horses — physically or mentally ?
F . R . He is different ! He isn ’ t very tall , but he is compact , with a superb topline and a powerful hindquarter . Among Arabians , he has a slightly different build , which might be what sets
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