ENGLISH TEXTS
with the teams in Doha to finalize the infrastructure , which continued until 2012 . It was a wonderful equestrian and human adventure , fostering friendship between France and Qatar .
G . What are the current challenges for racing and breeding in Qatar ?
J . P . D . The Al Rayyan racetrack is now in the middle of the city and Doha keeps expanding . As a result , the QREC can no longer grow or develop on this site . Today , the Qataris lack stables and need to build more . It is highly likely that the racetrack will be relocated , which is something that happens frequently in many countries . The Qatari youth are passionate about horses and racing . In general , Qataris love horses and take a great interest in them . The Purebred Arabians holds a sacred status in their culture , with a clear advantage over the thoroughbreds because they can touch and ride it .
PAGE 83 TOP Jean-Pierre Deroubaix . © APRH
PAGE 83 BOTTOM Jean-Pierre Deroubaix ( second from the left ) alongside Louis Romanet , Alban de Mieulle , Olivier Peslier , and Martial Boisseuil . © APRH
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IMMERSION AT THE HEART OF THE TRACK : INSIGHTS FROM FRENCH JOCKEYS RONAN THOMAS AND OLIVIER D ’ ANDIGNÉ
French jockeys have stood out on numerous occasions in Qatar , adding some of the country ’ s most prestigious races to their records . Among them , the experienced Ronan Thomas has spent five seasons in Qatar since 2018 - four of them working with Alban de Mieulle to represent Umm Qarn Farm , and one riding for Wathnan Racing . The winner of the Prix du Jockey Club 2024 ( Gr . 1 ) with Look de Vega also boasts an impressive record in Qatar , having topped the jockey leaderboard several times .
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OLIVIER D ’ ANDIGNÉ
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By Cécile Adonias
French jockey Olivier d ’ Andigné has also been alternating his seasons between Qatar and France since the winter of 2021- 2022 , joining the equally young Jean de Mieulle , who is a private trainer for Al Shaqab Racing . Earlier this year , after multiple top-level performances , the duo distinguished themselves by securing their first Group win for the renowned stable with Al Wakrah , a triple G1-PA-placed daughter of TM Fred Texas who landed the Gr . 2-PA H . H . Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup .
Galorama . What is your background ?
O . A . I started as an amateur jockey ( Gentleman-rider ) at the age of 16 , continuing until I earned my high school diploma ( Baccalauréat ). It was only after getting my diploma that I became a professional jockey . I began my career with Arnaud
Chaillé-Chaillé , where I stayed for three years . When Jean de Mieulle launched his training operation , we had many discussions and I decided to join him . Now , I alternate between the winter racing season in Qatar and the summer season in France . When I ’ m in France , I work freelance . I ride in the mornings , mainly for Jean de Mieulle and Alain Couétil , and in the afternoons , I race .
G . How did you become a jockey in Qatar ?
O . A . I first went to Qatar during the 2021 – 2022 season . Jean recommended me to Alban de Mieulle . Since Jean became a private trainer for Al Shaqab Racing in Qatar , I have been under contract with them . I ride their horses in the mornings and at the races . If I don ’ t have any rides for Al Shaqab Racing , I ride for other trainers or owners .
G . What similarities and differences are there between racing in Qatar and France ?
O . A . There are many French and European jockeys in Qatar , so there are some similarities in riding styles . However , the main difference lies in the pace of the races . It ’ s faster in Qatar , and there is less emphasis on tactical strategies . About 70 % of the races in Qatar are run over distances of 1,100 to 1,600 meters , which places a greater emphasis on speed .
G . What is your typical day like , both on and off race days ?
O . A . In the mornings , I arrive at the stables at 3:40 a . m . and we start with the first set of horses at 4:00 a . m . We ride between three and four sets per day , finishing by 8:00 a . m . Mornings are shorter compared to France , as our sole focus is on riding . A team of grooms takes care of feeding , grooming , and preparing the horses .
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