Founded in 1922, the Club of Gentlemen-Riders et des Cavalières (Association Law 1901) is a true institution within the world of horse racing and draws much of its history from the heritage of the French cavalry and its elite officers. The influence of military events, which long outnumbered those reserved for civilians, has significantly contributed to the growth of race riding, particularly in jumping.
Since 1945, the Club has allowed amateur jockeys, known as Gentlemen-Riders et Cavalières, to excel in this spectacular discipline. Today, the circuit is organized around a challenge of 35 events per year, sponsored by WTW Hipcover through the collaboration of Benoit Magnien. These races, as demanding as they are impressive, enable about thirty amateurs—out of 130 annual licensees—to compete at iconic racetracks such as Auteuil, Compiègne and Fontainebleau, during exceptional meetings like the Grand Steeple Chase de Paris or the National-Hund 48H. Since 1955, Gentlemen-Riders et Cavalières have also had the opportunity to travel thanks to the The Gentlemen’s League Fegentri circuit during various stages in Merano (Italy), Pardubice (Czech Republic), and Waregem (Belgium).
On the track: Thomas Guineheux, 30, is a key account manager at Socopa (food distribution). Licensed for over ten years, he has a record of 56 victories in France, including 36 in NH, his favorite discipline. In 2017, Thomas represented France at the World Championship for Amateurs (Fegentri), which he won in both flat and NH categories. A discipline well-established in the West and closely linked to the Craon racetrack, NH also shines through its prestigious Parisian events: the Prix de France at Auteuil, the Prix du Colonel d’Englesqueville at Compiègne, and the Prix Colonel Bernard Marlin at Fontainebleau, races in which Thomas has managed to win.
But these events are not reserved for men only. Since the opening of NH to women in 1972, talented riders such as Barbara Guenet, Tracy Menuet, and more recently Hélène Sourbé (the only woman to win the Cross-Country Prix Guy Lefrant at Pau twice) have shown that passion and performance transcend gender. Barbara Guenet, with 168 victories to her credit, has set a new standard by becoming the only woman to top the list in jumping three times. Today, the future is assured with riders like Earine Dubourg, Loeiza Hayères-Fouchard and Camille Dory, all of whom have transitioned from pony racing.
NH is not just a passion; it embodies commitment, a tradition of excellence, and a quest for self-improvement, passed down from generation to generation.