ENGLISH TEXTS
Auteuil . “ After multiple injuries , I didn ’ t want to keep getting hurt . I decided to stop at the right time . I was confident about the future .” A few months later , Alexis took on a managerial role with Alain Couétil but wanted to expand his skills . “ My brother Bastien heard about a horse care product company for sale . I knew their clay products from my time with Guy Chérel . We decided to buy it together — he handles administration , and I oversee production .” Alexis now makes clay treatments “ like baking cakes , following recipes !” He leverages his network to sell them in racing stables . “ We launched in October 2024 and are steadily growing . Eight of the top ten obstacle trainers use our products , and we ’ re making inroads in Chantilly too .” Now called Equimaris , the company is eyeing international markets . “ Seeing our clays used by top trainers is amazing ! This career change allowed me to transition without cutting ties to my roots . I feel like I ’ ve come back to life — I have more time and a less monotonous routine .”
The struggle of career transition Since jockeys typically start young and have little formal education , transitioning to a new career is daunting . Thierry Gillet , secretary general of the Jockeys ’ Association since retiring in 2009 , explains : “ They ride every day , and the job has unusual hours . Taking training courses would mean stopping work altogether .” Most jockeys left school early , some without a high school diploma . “ To work outside the racing industry , you often need to go back to school or gain IT skills . That ’ s not easy .” Leaving the sport means moving from the spotlight to an anonymous life — and often a lower income . “ Many jockeys stay in the job because they don ’ t know what else to do . When I watch races , I can see that some are just going through the motions .” The financial aid from the Jockeys ’ Association can help fund career assessments , which are invaluable for planning a future beyond racing .
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WHEN A CAREER TRANSITION LEADS TO A CHAMPION
Many former jockeys and horse racing professionals find employment in France Galop ’ s training centers or within the GTHP ( Groupement Technique des Hippodromes Parisiens , which provides staff and technical resources for racecourses ). This was the case for Yvon Lelimouzin , a star jockey in southwestern France , who suffered a racing accident in 1965 . After eight months in a wheelchair and a long recovery , he became responsible for the tracks at Chantilly . He carried out this role with great dedication , despite mobility challenges , relying on two canes . During his years at the training center , Yvon also helped rehome slow racehorses . Trainer Elie Lellouche once entrusted him with an unraced filly named Taille de Guêpe , intending to retire her from racing . Unable to find a buyer , Yvon decided to keep her for his own breeding operation in the Manche region . This decision led to the birth of one of the most legendary thoroughbreds in history : Cirrus des Aigles . His name pays tribute to the iconic Chantilly racecourse , which Yvon Lelimouzin had cared for with such passion .
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INSEP , AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW FOR ATHLETES ’ CAREER TRANSITION
The National Institute of Sport , Expertise and Performance ( INSEP ), based in Vincennes ( France ), is home to nearly eight hundred high-level athletes across twenty-eight
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