ENGLISH TEXTS
Galorama : Do you approach breeding Arabian thoroughbreds differently from other breeds ? CM : The basics are similar , but you must pay close attention to their growth to prevent them from becoming too heavy , which involves careful nutrition management . They ’ re more late-maturing and typically reach full development toward the end of their third year .
Galorama : What ’ s your perspective on the winter racing circuit abroad , and what are the implications of having horses bred or purchased by you compete there ? CM : I prefer the Emirati racing program , which allows horses to develop more gradually . This ensures longevity compared to the French program , which emphasizes precocity due to market demands . The Emirati circuit is more appealing , offering more races and a diverse range of horses , trainers , breeders , and pedigrees . The season coincides with our winter cycle and the start of foaling , providing a welcome motivation boost during an intense period . From a business perspective , it certainly increases client interest . I ’ ve received more requests for boarding and , more importantly , for horse purchases .
Galorama : What was your most significant victory this year ? CM : Héros de Lagarde won the H . H . President Cup ( Gr . 1 PA ) on December 15 in Abu Dhabi after being named Horse of the Year for 2023 – 2024 . It ’ s the culmination of so much hard work ! I still get chills and tears of emotion thinking about it . He ’ s one of the first horses I prepared for Ibrahim , the racing manager for Sheikh Nasser Al Hashar .
I ’ m thrilled for Ibrahim , too , as he works hard and has immense respect for the horses . I remember in July 2018 , when I visited Jacques Delpech to buy a horse ( Ss Dostoor ), I spotted a grey horse in the field and wanted him as well . Jacques initially didn ’ t want to sell , but we eventually agreed , and that ’ s how I purchased Héros de Lagarde as a yearling . It was the start of a wonderful collaboration .
Galorama : What ’ s your perspective on the Arabian thoroughbred market : private sales vs . auctions , and growing or declining market segments ? CM : Arqana is , in my opinion , the best place to sell a two-year-old . You need to see and feel the horses . This year , I achieved the top price in that section with Bin Ziyad ( Majd Al Arab x Frynch ), sold for € 100,000 to Said Ssouni for Ajmal Stud . I prepared him for over a year , and he stood out as exceptional , with a commanding presence . For foals and yearlings , I prefer platforms like Auctav or private sales . About 90 % of my purchases are foals or yearlings , allowing us to raise them our way ( specific diet by age , supplements , walkers ) and oversee their development through breeding and training . The market is evolving rapidly in both directions . It ’ s increasingly difficult to find a well-priced two-year-old with matching pedigree and conformation . Often , the expected price doesn ’ t align with the horse ’ s intrinsic value .
Galorama : Do you have a favorite horse ? CM : Héros de Lagarde , of course !
Galorama : A horse to watch in 2025 ? CM : Two , actually :
Sama Al Izz , who recently finished second in her debut in a strong Group race . She was born here and is a pure product of Al Cem Stud . She ’ s the full sister to Ihtesham . Ludo de Lagarde , a yearling I purchased for Ahmad Saeed Al Mazrouei . He performed well in Trials , and I ’ m excited to see him debut !.
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PONEYS
� PAGE 96
By Mélodie Janvier , for Poneys au Galop
POLLY HAS EVERYTHING OF A CHAMPION
This second episode of our column dedicated to ponies takes us this time to the southeast of France . After Hearthon Cheetah , the English expatriate turned king of the West , let ’ s focus on Polly , as mischievous as Pascal ’ s famous sidekick
Some horses , whether small or big in stature or talent , leave their mark on a generation , if not several . Polly is no exception . A Shetland pony with a chestnut coat and flaxen mane , Polly is the mascot of South-East Poneys au Galop . Whatever the discipline , Polly ’ s heart is bigger than any obstacle in his way . Whether it ’ s show jumping , flat racing or training over hurdles , his talent is only matched by his
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