ENGLISH 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 .
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 .
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KATHERINE FORD ’ S CHRONICLE
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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ROMANE BORRIONE ’ S CHRONICLE
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
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