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At Newmarket, I purchased Deadly Nightshade, in foal to Wootton Bassett. I partnered with Mr. Foucher for this acquisition, which was a significant investment. She has a fantastic pedigree, among the best in the stud book. We also acquired a share in Run Away, a Listed-placed mare in France and a winner in England. She’s the full sister to Blackbeard. Her pedigree brings speed and precocity, traits we don’t commonly have at Monceaux. She will also visit Wootton Bassett. We purchased a Sea The Stars mare, a full sister to The Lion in Winter, one of this year’s Epsom Derby favorites. In partnership with Jenny Bianco and Charles-Henri de Moussac, we decided to send her to Japan to meet Kitasan Black, introducing a new bloodline.
Galorama : Many of your mares are under syndicates . Why is that ? HB: When we started 15 years ago, we had no mares, so we needed to buy them. I had a network of people interested in investing, so we partnered rather than competing at auctions. This allowed us to spread the risk, bring more people into the Monceaux adventure, and it worked wonderfully. We still do this, but it requires careful management to avoid overextending partnerships. I’ve adjusted this approach recently, aiming to retain a majority stake in investments. Occasionally, we bring in new partners, which introduces new people to the industry, something I find fascinating.
Galorama : Do you use any specific technological tools in your work ? HB: I’m somewhat old-school regarding technology, but I’m working on it! I recognize this shortcoming and try to surround myself with people who are more tech-savvy. For breeding decisions, I work with Camilla, who is better than any computer. We spend a lot of time discussing crossbreeding strategies, family dynamics, and physical compatibility, challenging each other’s ideas. I’m eager to modernize daily management tools for the stud, especially to improve care. I believe we’re behind in this area and aim to make progress—it’s one of my resolutions for the year. Ultimately, this profession is deeply rooted in observation, an understanding of horses, and attention to detail, though technological optimization can certainly play a supporting role.
“ WE BOUGHT HER WITHOUT KNOWING SHE WOULD BECOME THE FOUNDATION MARE OF THE STUD .“
Galorama : How does it feel to achieve a seven-figure top price at a sale ? HB: I put a lot of effort into sales, but honestly, it doesn’t evoke intense emotion for me. I feel satisfied with a job well done and proud of the team’s work. It’s gratifying for the partners and crucial for the company’s viability, enabling reinvestment. However, it doesn’t compare to the joy of winning a Group 1 race.
Henri Bozo
“ THE LOGICAL APPROACH IS TO USE PROVEN STALLIONS FOR YOUNG MARES .“
Henri Bozo
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �Galorama : What moment of the season brings you the most emotion ? HB: Winning a prestigious race brings the greatest joy. It’s the culmination of everyone’s hard work and dedication. That said, I enjoy all stages of the season. This is a lively industry, and that’s why we’re all passionate about it.
Galorama : How do you view the stallion market in France compared to Ireland and England ? HB: We’ve fallen behind Ireland and England, but we’re gradually catching up thanks to dynamic operations like Etreham, Sumbe, Aga Khan, Al Shaqab Racing, and Beaumont. French breeding is very vibrant, and I’m confident about the future of the stallion market in France.
Katherine Ford -UK Passionate about racing, Katherine left her native Yorkshire to spend six months in France in the early 2000s... and almost 25 years later, she is still there. Now a freelance journalist and translator, she has discovered and introduced racecourses around the world for Equidia, and regularly presents French racing on Sky Sports Racing. She is also a breeder and owner of Thoroughbreds.
Romane Brionne - Australie A French expatriate in Melbourne for five years, Romane has expertise
142ENGLISH TEXTS as a broker , rider , and assistant trainer . Passionate about studying performance and data , she founded her data analysis company , Race Day Ready , which is growing rapidly in Australia and Hong Kong .
Christmas Spirit Christmas cards are a beloved tradition in Great Britain . Every household receives dozens , from family , friends and colleagues . For horse racing enthusiasts , the Injured Jockeys Fund ( IJF ) Christmas card takes pride of place on the mantelpiece . These cards , featuring snowy equestrian landscapes or beautiful racing scenes , are little works of art . Moreover , when the postman delivers an IJF card , you know that a few pennies have gone to a worthy cause . A worthy cause that has been around since 1964 , when this charitable organization was founded by a group of jockeys following serious accidents involving two of their colleagues . Jack Berry was one of the movement ’ s instigators and today , at over 85 years old , he is something of a Santa Claus for injured jockeys — not least because of the red shirt he wears 365 days a year ! Throughout his career as a jockey and later as a trainer , Jack Berry has dedicated his life to the association . One of the first initiatives was selling the now-famous Christmas cards at racecourses , with part of the proceeds going to sidelined jockeys . Jack Berry didn ’ t stop there . Thanks to his vision and tireless energy for fundraising , the Injured Jockeys Fund now has three dedicated rehabilitation centers in Lambourn , Newmarket , and Malton in Yorkshire ( appropriately named Jack Berry House ) to support injured jockeys , their families , and stable staff . The association has expanded its activities to include financial aid for families of jockeys unable to work , adapting homes for those with disabilities , mental health support , nutritional advice , and even an annual week-long holiday in the sun for retired jockeys in difficult circumstances . In 2024 , the Injured Jockeys Fund celebrated 60 years of existence and surpassed 2,000 beneficiaries . During Champions Day at Ascot in October , Jack Berry was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame for his contributions to the charity — only the third person to be honored in the “ Special Contribution “ category after Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Khalid Abdullah . Every year , the association spends around 5 million euros to help jockeys in need , with part of this sum funded by the sale of these charming Christmas cards . They serve as a gentle reminder that the festive season is a time to think of others .
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Igor de Maack - Global Economy Associate director at the wealth management firm Vitalepargne , Igor de Maack is a reference in financial market analysis . He has also invested in horses ( Écurie Nininoé ) out of passion , thanks to his friendship with Fabien Rycroft ( Écurie Elag ). Initially active in harness racing , he has diversified into flat racing , notably with horses such as Lindy and Onesto .
Australian Races : The Challenge of Speed When I arrived in Australia , a phrase from my first employer ( Ciaron Maher Racing ) stayed with me : “ A horse needs to be good over short distances to be good over long distances “. Coming from the French system , where even a two-year-old can debut over 1600 meters and perform very well , this idea seemed strange to me . In France , we prioritize distances suited to natural abilities , right from the start of a horse ’ s career . In Australia , however , it is very uncommon to see an Australian horse , even with a pedigree geared toward “ distance ,“ begin their career over more than 1,200 or 1,400 meters . Over time , through observation and research , I came to understand that this approach is based on several principles . First , there is a technical principle related to the tracks , which here are fast nearly all year round . Races are often focused on short to intermediate distances , requiring explosive performances , aligning with a local gene pool dominated by sprinters . Furthermore , this assertion is actually supported by a scientific basis , the concept of “ speed reserve “. This concept , well known in the field of running , explains that working on high-speed mechanics can also benefit slower speeds , thanks to improvements in an athlete ’ s biomechanics . The “ speed reserve “ is also linked to the recruitment of fast-twitch muscle fibers , which need to be trained to remain available , even
BACK TO THE ARTICLE � � PAGE 64UK
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Perhaps never before in the history of modern capitalism has the issue of public finances and the role of the state as a fiscal agent and redistributor been so relevant and controversial . The appointment of Elon Musk as “ Minister of Government Efficiency “ signals that the new U . S . administration intends to redefine the state ’ s role in the economy in a sort of Reagan-era remake . In France , following the dissolution of the National Assembly , the country is facing political instability that is unique and unprecedented in its history . After jockey Michel Barnier , the President has handed the reins of “ sulky France “ to François Bayrou . Yet it remains unclear how a unified majority could emerge from the current political kaleidoscope to draft and pass a “ sensible “ economic program ( a skillful mix of moderate , temporary tax increases and sharp , lasting cuts in public spending ). Public finances are becoming a real handicap for two reasons : in most countries , their weight is becoming increasingly unbearable for taxpayers , and their effectiveness in certain areas is now in question . Some countries , albeit under pressure from international institutions like the IMF ( e . g ., Southern European nations ), are making efforts to address this . Others , like France , are not . Some countries , such as the United States , can afford to avoid drastic measures due to their growth potential ; France cannot . France continues to rely on the leniency of financial markets , as evidenced by its sovereign bond yield for ten-year maturities hovering around 2.85 %. Meanwhile , stock markets persist in favoring U . S . equities over European ones , particularly French stocks . Seneca once said , “ There is no favorable wind for the sailor who does not know which port he is heading for “. On a racetrack , when a horse bursts out of the gate , it must quickly pick up speed , as any delay makes reaching the finish line more difficult . The same holds true for balancing public accounts .
over long distances . Therefore , to be fast or effective over long distances , a horse must first be fast over short distances . In this system , it is true that an excellent Australian horse will very often have started and won over short distances before progressing to longer distances over the course of its career . However , this is where the statement ends : in most cases , beyond 1600 meters , and for horses purely bred for distance , it is unrealistic to believe that some can perform at the highest level with training based solely on sprinting methods . The reality is that no single method suits all horses , and everything lies in nuance . Even exceptional horses have their limits , whether it ’ s Melbourne Cup winners who have never excelled over short distances , or sprinters who are unable to sustain a long-distance race . Examples of this can be found on both sides of the hemisphere . These observations encourage us to question the many beliefs held within the racing industry , which are often deeply ingrained , and to confront them with scientific research , performance data , and empirical results . This approach helps refine our understanding of training and allows us to better tailor methods to the horses and the objectives at hand .
� PAGE 68GLOBAL ECONOMY
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Louis Baudron ’ s office is a vast room with wood-panelled walls , a very high ceiling and a large fireplace to keep it warm . Many stud masters and landowners have secluded themselves here to decide the direction of their breeding operations since the stud farm was founded by Céneri Forcinal in the 1850s . Among these men ... a woman , Camille Olry-Roederer , who ran the champagne house of the same name and bred here , among other champions , Jamin , born in 1953 , who at five years old became “ the fastest trotter in history “, with a km-rate record of 1 ’ 13 ’’ 6 . Les Rouges Terres is therefore a historic stud farm in Orne , acquired by Louis Baudron in 2007 when he was not yet twenty years old and had just won his first Group 1 in trotting as a trainer , the Critérium des 4 Ans . A victory all the more satisfying as the winner , Pirogue Jénilou , was bred by his late father Gilles . Photos of the champion adorn the walls of Louis ’ office , alongside Singalo , winner of the Prix de Cornulier in 2013 , Village Mystic , who won the Prix de Sélection in 2013 , and the filly Draft Life , winner of the Prix du Président de la République in 2017 and the Prix des Centaures in 2018 ... All Group 1 winners bred and trained by Louis Baudron : “ I got my licence at just eighteen , before I even had a driving licence !“
The School of Grandfathers Other photos have taken their place on the walls of the large office over the years : those of the Flat and jumps horses that Louis has bred or trained and that have shone in his white silks , red sash , red and white cap , a variation of the historic colours of his great-grandfather Baudron , whose cap was plain red . “ My grandfather Jean-Pierre Dubois passed on this curiosity about horses in general to me . I always saw him train in both disciplines and he had the champion jumpers Kotkijet and Indien Bleu at home at one time , among others ... that left its mark on me . When I was younger , I dreamed of becoming a Flat jockey , but at fifteen I was already too heavy ! I also learned a lot from my paternal grandfather , an exceptional horseman “. This other great name in trotting , Roger Baudron , won the 1989 Prix d ’ Amérique with Queila Gédé , beating the favourite Ourasi ... Louis ’ two grandfathers were great , albeit unofficial , masters , “ a bit like at circus school ,“ he smiles . With Jean-Pierre Dubois , he travelled extensively , particularly to the United States , where the man nicknamed “ the boss “ has a base . Like him , Louis is a jack-of-all-trades and an adventurer : didn ’ t he spend a year in Australia training thoroughbreds in Sydney ? “ There isn ’ t one discipline that I prefer , because what I like is precisely mixing trotting and galloping , even if at the moment I have slightly fewer jumps horses . But I ’ ve bought back a lot of foals by my stallion King Edward !“ This son of Martaline was bred at Les Rouges Terres , after Louis acquired his dam Kotkari . “ I knew this mare was for sale , and she came from the formidable Montesson line , like Kotkijet , a horse that marked my childhood . I mated Kotkari to Martaline , but she died shortly after the foal , who was King Edward , was weaned . I only had him left and I was in love with him , so I didn ’ t want to train him myself because I would have been too soft on him . I entrusted him to Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé “. King Edward won the Prix Duc d ’ Anjou 4yo Chase ( Gr . 3 ) at Auteuil .
BACK TO THE ARTICLE � � PAGE 72So Many Strings to His Bow Training both trotters and gallopers is “ a wonderful way to open your mind ,“ according to Louis Baudron . “ They are complementary activities and allow me to meet people I would never have crossed paths with without this mix “. In the mornings , he can just as easily drive a trotter - especially the young ones , to get an idea of their potential - as ride a galloper in training , having been an excellent trotting jockey
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and ridden in amateur races on the Flat . “ At Haras des Rouges Terres , the trotting and galloping tracks are next to each other . From my sulky , I can watch the canters ,“ he explains . Louis also likes to maintain the tracks himself and follow his troops from the cab of one of his tractors . Very much in the mould of Jean-Pierre Dubois , he is often elusive : “ I find it hard to limit myself to one activity ,“ he admits . “ When I was a kid and I went away with my grandfather , we never really knew what we were going to do and I liked that . I try not to have a typical day because I hate routine . I want to be free to go and visit the stud , go to the qualifiers , the sales ... so I make sure I ’ m not indispensable anywhere ! To do this , I surround myself with autonomous and capable people , the team being made up of about twenty people during the winter “. Louis Baudron is thirty-eight years old today . His resemblance to Jean-Pierre Dubois is increasingly striking , in the clear blue eyes they have in common , but above all in their attitude , a mixture of discretion and self-assurance , respect for traditions and a pioneering spirit spiced with a good dose of unconventionality . “ I ’ m lucky enough to do what I like ,“ concludes Louis . “ I ’ ve had it easy , I didn ’ t start from scratch , but I appreciate what I ’ ve been given and above all I don ’ t want to depreciate it . In sporting terms , I always want to do better . I ’ ve already won several Group 1s in trotting , Group 3s over jumps , Listed races on the Flat ... My goal is to win Group 1s in all three disciplines as a trainer “. A hell of a challenge that even Jean-Pierre Dubois has not achieved !
• Jumping : It is quite common for trotting trainers to make their horses jump in an arena , and yet they are not preparing them to tackle fences ! “ I ’ ve always seen my grandfather do this ,“ says Louis Baudron , who practices this exercise with his horses . “ It allows them to loosen their backs , to relax them . It ’ s also very good for their morale to get out of their routine “.
� PAGE 73SO CLOSE AND YET SO DIFFERENT
The training methods for trotters and gallopers , whether they are Flat or jumps horses , are obviously very different . However , some techniques can cross the boundaries between disciplines .
• Interval training : This is more common in trotters but is also practiced by some jumps trainers , particularly in Great Britain . It involves alternating intense efforts with recovery phases . Louis Baudron practices this for his trotters on an uphill straight . “ We go up at a sustained pace then we come back down gently so that the heart rate comes down and we start again “. This is an exercise designed to sharpen the horses ’ speed , which is not practiced on the Flat “ because it would go to their heads “.
What brings them together ....
• Mechanisation : Trotters and jumps horses are those whose training has the most similarities according to French standards . It is first of all a question of “ mechanising “ them so that they perfectly assimilate the movement of the trot for the former , and the jumping technique for the latter . “ We favour a fairly firm track for young trotters so that they find their rhythm and develop their footwork ,“ says Louis Baudron . For both these specialities , repetition is a key part of training .
What differentiates them ...
• Mentality : “ A trotter will forgive its trainer ’ s mistakes , whereas with a Thoroughbred on the Flat or over jumps , they will remain etched for life ,“ says Louis Baudron . The dosage of work for gallopers and the preservation of their mental state is one of the keys to their career , even more so than for trotters .
• Stamina work : For both jumps horses and trotters , endurance and the ability to oxygenate during generally quite long races are essential points . Some phases of their training are therefore done over long distances and at a moderate pace , which in trotting is called “ Americaines “. On the Flat , a sprinter will make an almost anaerobic effort in a race and will therefore not have this type of preparation . However , a lot of cardio work is done with “ stayers “, the Flat horses that excel over long distances .
• Multi-phase training : The daily training of trotters is frequently done in several stages : a jog , then a return to the stables where the horse is unharnessed , can blow and urinate , before one or more phases of more intense work with a break at the stables between each . This practice is not used in galloping .
• Technological assistance : Trotting trainers are fans of modern technologies such as the use of heart rate monitors , whereas in galloping ( in France and Europe , anyway ) the feeling of the trainers
BACK TO THE ARTICLE � 146ENGLISH TEXTS generally remains more empirical and based on their “ eye “. However , Christopher Head , whose results speak for themselves , uses these training aids a lot and carefully studies his readings .
He is the great-great-grandsire of Eclipse , born in 1764 , who can be found in the pedigrees of almost all contemporary Thoroughbreds . In 1791 , the lawyer James Weatherby deemed it useful to establish the genealogy of all horses participating in English races . He therefore drew up the first version of the “ General Stud Book “ which fixed their pedigrees and marked the official birth of the Thoroughbred . A 2013 Austrian study showed that Eclipse , who stood at stud near Epsom , England , from 1771 to 1789 , is present in the pedigree of 95 % of 21
dam Gladys was a Thoroughbred , so if you go back through Jamin ’ s ancestry , you will find the name of Eclipse several times . To take a more recent reference , Eclipse is one of the ancestors of Kingman , the sire of Sparkling Plenty , bred by Jean-Pierre Dubois and winner of the 2024 Prix de Diane . But he can also be found several times in the pedigree of Idao de Tillard , the defending champion in the Prix d ’ Amérique !
• Warm-up before the race : Trotters do heats , these preparation phases that their trainer or driver manages before the race according to each horse : one or more outings on the track , with more or less intense speed work and sometimes adjustments in the harness . Jumps horses , some of them , jump the test fence before going to the start , otherwise the phase of cantering to the start is their only warm-up , as for the Flat horses that go to the stalls .
BACK TO THE ARTICLE � stcentury Thoroughbreds , but also in 50 % of European sport horses ! The unbeaten chestnut champion , who won eighteen races , has also left his mark on trotters and AQPS horses , as these two breeds are descended from military or farm mares that were crossed with Thoroughbreds to refine their conformation and improve their athletic potential . In the case of the trotter , these marriages were made from 1830 onwards . The first volume of the stud book was published in 1907 and the name “ French Trotter “ was officially adopted in 1922 . Take the case of Jamin , the famous champion born at Haras des Rouges Terres in 1953 who won the Prix d ’ Amérique twice , in 1958 and 1959 , but also the Swedish premier championship Elitloppet and a multitude of others , starting with the first edition of the “ World Championship “, the International Trot , at Roosevelt Raceway , near New York , on a half-mile track , against the best American standardbreds and the Italian Tornese . His 2
� PAGE 78THE COMMON ANCESTORS OF GALLOPERS AND TROTTERS
The Thoroughbred is an “ improver “ that has been used to establish sport horse breeds , whether it be the French Trotter , the Selle Français or the AQPS . The Thoroughbred itself is mostly descended from three foundation sires that were Arabians , the “ Foundation sires .“ The country of birth of the Byerley Turk , who is believed to have been foaled in 1680 , is not known with certainty . The Darley Arabian was born in 1702 in Syria and the Godolphin Arabian in Yemen in 1724 . The Darley Arabian was bought at the age of two by Lord Thomas Darley , then British Consul in Aleppo .
Galorama : You ’ ve been a jockey in all three disciplines . Which one delivers the greatest thrills ? Yannick Fouin : That depends on the level and type of race . But jump racing is the most exhilarating . There ’ s always the risk of not clearing the hurdle . All three disciplines give great sensations , honestly . You can ’ t compare a 1,000-meter flat race to
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trotting , even though sulky driving is incredibly exciting . At first , it ’ s like riding a moped — your eyes tear up . Then , as you improve , you ’ re better equipped , well-seated , and you know how to handle it . On a horse , the stress is different . It ’ s exhilarating , but there are days when you feel great and others when you don ’ t . Competition often comes in waves , both positive and negative . You have to ride the good ones . But training also brings incredible emotions .
G : Is the emotion of winning a Group race much greater than a small provincial race ? YF : Yes , definitely … Especially if you ’ ve worked your way up from the bottom to take a horse to the top — it ’ s even more satisfying . Racing is all about setting goals . Still , anywhere you win , crossing the finish line first makes you feel strong . It ’ s an amazing feeling . I ’ m closing in on sixty wins this year ( 57 at the time of the interview , mid-December ), and I ’ m thrilled . My main goal is to maintain consistency .
G : Which victory stands out most in your career ? YF : There are several , of course . But the one that comes to mind is the Prix Finot this year with Kurasso Blue . I co-owned him with a friend ( Philippe-Georges Dumas ) who usually buys handicap or claiming horses . This was a long-time goal . We started him off in flat racing , and everything went as planned — a true joy . We sold him ( to Gordon Elliott ) because the offer was too good to refuse , but it was a truly rewarding victory . “ Jump racing is the most exhilarating “
G : Emotionally , how do flat , jump , and trotting races differ ? YF : They ’ re different and the same at the same time . As a trainer , it ’ s like life — you have favorites that stand out , and you can ’ t deny it . I ’ ve been lucky to have my share of great horses . It took me a while to realize it , though . The key is managing stress . People say a little stress is good ; I disagree . Stress paralyzes and causes ulcers , just like in horses . What matters is adrenaline .
“ Go , I do not ‘ hurdle ’ you .” Barbara Guénet could make this twist on a line from Corneille ’ s Le Cid her own . Her Rodrigue , her stage for supreme sensations , is the big leaps on the jumping courses . “ Jump racing is indescribable . The adrenaline is unmatched . The level of sensation makes it a discipline apart “. The first and still only rider to win in all specialties in a single year ( 2017 )— flat racing , hurdles , steeplechase , cross-country , harness trotting , and mounted trotting — this amateur jockey is uniquely qualified to weigh and compare the emotional weight of these different disciplines . As a jockey , her record is impressive : 98 wins in flat racing , 70 in jumps , 61 in harness trotting , 20 in mounted trotting , eight Cravache d ’ Or awards for female riders , the Fegentri Gold Spur ( amateur world championship ) in jumps ( 2013 , mixed ) and flat racing
G : Do you imagine yourself winning the Prix d ’ Amérique with Jushua Tree one day ? YF : No , I ’ m staying grounded . First , we need to win the Ténor de Baune ( on December 22 ) to qualify ( 1 ). But even now , it ’ s already a fantastic story . Jean-Michel ( Bazire ) and I know each other well . Hugues Rousseau knew I wanted a horse in his stable . We landed on Jushua Tree — not bad , right ? ( laughs ). Still , I can ’ t bring myself to believe I have a Prix d ’ Amérique horse . Jean-Michel does all the work . I think I ’ ll be more nervous than him . Watching from the sidelines , you have no control . But the adrenaline is definitely there .
G : Do you have any fears ? YF : In NH races , it ’ s hard not to . You always worry something might happen . That ’ s why I have very few high-level horses — I fear what might come next . I have some stress , yes . But again , I ’ d rather feed off adrenaline .
G : Can success ever become routine ? YF : Never ! The great thing about horses is there ’ s always a story — a horse you spotted , a co-owner joining the team , or a beloved owner . Above all , it ’ s a human experience . I love sharing what I have .
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( 2014 , female riders ), and the 2012 European female rider champion title . Her opinion , however , is quite clear-cut . “ I prefer cross-country . Hurdles are amazing too - really technical . You have to choose your lines carefully , and it requires incredible dressage work . Jump racing does not tolerate mediocrity . The great races at Auteuil are my absolute favorite . That said , a race is a race : you have to anticipate , feel your horse , and sense the others in the field “. When asked which horse gave her the most thrilling experience , the temple of jump racing comes galloping back into the conversation : “ Vizir d ’ Estruval . When I won at Auteuil with him , after the big open ditch , he gained so much ground I thought all the other competitors had fallen . His locomotion and acceleration were extraordinary . He was truly an exceptional horse “. Between a Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris and a Prix d ’ Amérique , however , her heart hesitates . Though she admits she hasn ’ t ridden a thoroughbred since 2020 - “ I chose to stop at my peak , ending on good feelings “— trotting remains her other great passion . Alongside her equine services business , she has chosen to specialize as a trainer in this discipline , with only two horses so far : Guerrier Castelets ( 9 years old ) and J ’ y suis j ’ y reste ( 6 years old ). Her stats are highly encouraging : 4 wins and 10 places in 22 races . Trotting , but preferably harness trotting . “ I don ’ t particularly like mounted trotting -unless you have really good horses , especially as an amateur . Otherwise , it ’ s not always that exciting . I enjoy harness racing much more - it ’ s more technical . The first time you sit on a sulky , you get an incredible sense of speed “. Her horse Guerrier Castelets has rewarded her passion well . He gave her her first win as a trainer , owner , and driver at Vincennes . Since she took charge of him in May 2023 , he has secured four wins , including her first Quinté + victory last February . “ Honestly , I didn ’ t even know it was a Quinté +,“ she laughs . “ He ’ s an exceptional horse . He was very difficult at first , but he ’ s finally grown out of his rebellious phase “. As time goes on , Barbara Guénet believes trotters are becoming more like thoroughbreds . “ They ’ re very spirited and responsive , just like purebreds “. The comparison extends to training as well : like Louis Baudron , Guénet — who winters in Grosbois and will soon summer in Utah Beach , where she recently bought a small house — sees several similarities between trotting and jump racing . “ Both require shaping and mechanical precision . A trotter ’ s gait at high speed is not natural — it takes a lot of preparation , just like teaching a horse to jump quickly and accurately “. Her love for horses transcends all disciplines . “ I love horses more than racing , whatever the discipline . And I can ’ t say I prefer one over the others — that would be like favoring one child over another , which wouldn ’ t be fair “. Her son , Léo , has recently begun following in her footsteps . “ My goal is for him to win wearing my colors “. Pierre Corneille might whisper to her , “ To noble souls , valor waits not for years “.
� PAGE 822025 : A NEW BEGINNING
Barbara has given us the privilege of announcing that 2025 will mark the launch of her new fitness venture . Indeed , in collaboration with the Terry family , a thalassotherapy center will be established in the commune of Utah Beach . This facility , reflecting Barbara ’ s versatility , will cater to both trotters and gallopers . It will feature highquality infrastructures , including unrestricted beach access , a walker , treadmill , solarium , paddocks with shelters , a jumping arena , and a 900-meter sand gallop track . There is no doubt that those who stay there will be pampered .
MAIN Saint Macaire on the crosscountry course of Compiègne . © Barbara Guénet PAGE 81 - TOP Vizir d ’ Estruval . © Barbara Guénet PAGE 81 - TOP Barbara teamed up with Iquito Planchette during one of their victories at Vincennes . © APRH PAGE 82 New Outlook on a Prix de Diane day . © Mélina Lombard BACK TO THE ARTICLE � BACK TO THE ARTICLE � 149ENGLISH TEXTS
2023 Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe History will remember the phenomenal late surge of Ace Impact . But let ’ s not forget that trailing just behind , Onesto also stormed down the Longchamp straight , narrowly missing second place by a short head . That prestigious third place will forever remain etched in Fabien Rycroft ’ s memory . Though he owned just a 5 % share in Fabrice Chappet ’ s champion , the moment was unforgettable — or partially so . Overwhelmed by emotion at its peak , the Écurie Elag owner recalls it as a bit of a blur : “ It ’ s crazy — I have a sort of black hole . I remember the entrance to the straight and the last hundred meters , but everything in between is a haze . Still , it was an unforgettable moment . Watching your horse make such a comeback , you cheer like never before . An unparalleled emotion “. As the owner of about fifty horses , split evenly between flat and trotting , Rycroft sees “ three to four horses race each week “. “ Ninety percent of the time , I watch them on Equidia . I ’ m not the nervous type . Overall , racing is pure joy . I have absolute trust in my trainers . I never interfere with their decisions , and I accept every defeat — it makes the victories all the sweeter “.
“ First and foremost , it ’ s about human connections “ Co-founder of Vitalepargne , a wealth management firm with offices in Caen , Bordeaux , Nantes , Paris , and Amiens , Rycroft thrives in teamwork — both at work and in racing . “ Horses are primarily about human connections “. His journey began with Yoann Rémi Le Mée and Jean-Pierre Lamarre , who “ gave him his start ,“ followed by Louis Baudron , Jean-Etienne and Jean-Pierre Dubois , and Mathieu Millet , with whom his ownership career reached new heights . Today , Rycroft collaborates with names like Christophe Ferland , Alessandro Botti , Fabrice Chappet , and Éric Raffin . But the Dubois family remains a cornerstone of his racing network . A close friend of Louis Baudron and his wife , Amandine , Rycroft naturally transitioned from trotting to flat racing . His associates , Igor de Maack and bloodstock agent Ghislain Bozo , also opened the gates of Chantilly to him . Before that , this entrepreneurial spirit decided to establish his own stable in 2018 : Écurie Elag , named after his daughters Élise ( 15 ) and Agathe ( 12 ). However , Rycroft mainly works through partnerships , holding 10-30 % shares on average . “ I actually have very few horses running in my own silks ( black with yellow stripes ). I don ’ t have the financial clout of a Wertheimer or an Aga Khan ,“ he laughs . Aesthetically , he leans “ slightly more towards flat racing “. Economically , too : “ The market depth and liquidity are much better . Plus , a winner at 2 or 3 years old immediately attracts multiple offers . In trotting , profitability takes much longer “. While Rycroft remains a financial strategist , ensuring his investments at least break even , he doesn ’ t differentiate much emotionally between a trotting victory with Give Me Cash in the Coupe des 6 Ans at Cagnes-sur-Mer or a flat racing triumph with Lucky Wine in the Qatar Grand Handicap des Flyers at ParisLongchamp on Arc day . The fundamentals remain constant . For this multi-horse owner , racing is above all a collective adventure . “ It ’ s so much better when shared with others . Many connections have turned into friendships . I love the horses , the thrill of winning , but human relationships are what I value most “. For this enthusiast , transitioning between disciplines is almost a way of life — a balancing act : “ I enjoy both disciplines equally . Winning a Group race in either trotting or flat racing is extraordinary . Without being pejorative , trotting is more accessible to the public , and I love its laid-back vibe and approachable people . Flat racing is more sophisticated , but the ceremonial aspect is very appealing . On Arc day or at Ascot , you rub shoulders with the elite of this world . The setting is excellent . It ’ s a real pleasure “. Fabien Rycroft doesn ’ t rule out dedicating “ even more time “ to racing in the future . Beyond his passion and love for the connections — be it in trotting , flat racing , or even jump racing — this vibrant entrepreneur has a little ace up his sleeve : “ People say I have a lucky touch “.
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