By Serge Okey
Louis Baudron has the rare triple distinction of being the grandson of Jean-Pierre Dubois, as well as of Roger Baudron, another racing star, and of the Presidence of the AUCTAV sale on August, 13 at the Haras de Bois-Roussel. Behind this prestigious “pedigree,” people say he’s the worthy heir to the famous blue and red silks with the yellow cap. Gifted in all three disciplines himself, this natural-born entrepreneur didn’t wait until 38 to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious forebear. Because he knows him so well, he doesn’t believe he’s truly ready to bow out.
Galorama. This sale marks the end of an era for you too…
Louis Baudron. I think I’ll only fully grasp its significance on the day itself, or maybe after. For now, I’m just happy my grandfather thought of us. It’s a real pleasure to work with family. But I see this sale more as a downsizing than a full stop.
G. Yet your grandfather said, “I’m stopping”: you don’t believe it?
L.B. No, I don’t believe it. I could be wrong, but it just doesn’t sound like him. I think he’ll slow down, not stop.
G. How would you describe this sale?
L.B. There’s something for everyone. Some mares are exceptionally well-bred and covered by top sires, others are more accessible, sire by the sires my grandfather developed over the years. Some 2-year-old fillies just had very promising debuts. There’s definitely something to draw people in.
G. Speaking of pedigree: Dubois on one side, Baudron on the other, you’ve got royal blood…
L.B. You could say I was programmed for this. I’m very lucky.
G. Would you say there’s a “Dubois signature” and a “Baudron signature”?
L.B. That’s a tough one. I’m lucky to still have both my grandfathers, and my two grandmothers, and they are very different personalities. But what they share is a deep passion for their work and a love for horses. Hard work is sacred on both sides. That’s been their strength. From the inside, it’s impressive to see.
G. Like your grandfather Dubois, did you also dream of being a flat jockey?
L.B. Yes, I did pony races and I really loved it. But my weight quickly became a deal-breaker. So I naturally moved toward trotting.
G. That hasn’t stopped you, like your grandfather, from excelling in all three disciplines: flat, jump and trotting…
L.B. He passed down his love of horses, whatever the discipline. We’ve inherited this enriching curiosity. That openness of mind comes from him. I love the variety. Whatever the discipline, it’s incredibly rewarding to work with a high-level horse.
G. If you had to pick just one horse of your grandfather Dubois, which would it be?
L.B. He bred, trained and drove so many champions… Personally, I’d say Mara Bourbon in the Prix des Élites (Gr.1, 2003). I was in the sulky, just a kid, 17. I won that race for him. It was beautiful. I imagine if I ever get to win a big race with my own grandchildren, I’ll be over the moon.
G. Kotkijet’s two Grand Steeplechase wins must have meant a lot to the family?
L.B. It was magnificent! A great horse bought from Count de Montesson, with a whole story behind him. Like with many horses, it was also a story of people, Mr. Wildenstein, Mr. Gallorini and of course my grandfather. Kotkijet is one of those names that echoes through the family. My grandfather is so gifted with genetics, he knew how to buy here and there and turn horses into champions.
G. After Stacelita,Sauterne and Olmedo, Sparkling Plenty might be his last moment of glory in flat racing…
L.B. I was right beside him, it was intense. We were all overjoyed. Yet another result of years of hard work and investment.
G. What are his main character traits?
L.B. He’s a very humble person, who treats everyone the same. Winning is in his blood, he hates being second. He’s a born competitor. I’ve seen him jumping for joy after great wins. Winning major races is so hard. But hard work? That’s his domain. No one can match him there. And he has an incredible connection with horses.
G. Would you say he enjoys life?
L.B. Definitely. He doesn’t open his table to just anyone, but when he does, it’s sincere. With those he loves, he’s incredibly generous. He couldn’t be more down-to-earth. One day he told me, “Louis, you have to be serious, but not take yourself too seriously.” He’s not one for show, unless it’s with a wink. In private, he’s quite talkative.
G. Did he teach you the art of business too?
L.B. In a way, yes. He always encouraged me toward it. He’s good at it, charming, with an old-school style. Money was never a limit for him. When he wanted something, he made it happen; even if he didn’t quite have the means at the time (laughs). His self-confidence is incredible. He’s driven by results.
G. Would you say the Dubois are a clan?
L.B. In any case, I find that rather flattering. It means we’re a close-knit family. My grandfather stays connected to the family in his own way. He’s always thinking of us with kindness.
G. What’s it like having a grandfather who’s a living legend?
L.B. I can confirm it, he’s a living legend. We’re all very proud of what he’s accomplished. He truly commands respect and admiration. When we go abroad, everyone knows him. I’m very lucky to be his grandson.
G. People say you’re his heir, how does that make you feel?
L.B. He doesn’t like playing favorites among his relatives. I try to follow in his footsteps, but not necessarily to copy him. If I come close, all the better, but he’s one of a kind. He’s an inspiration to me. He’ll always be unique.
G. So, to be clear: you maintain he’s not quite retiring?
L.B. Maybe when he said “I’m stopping,” it was a moment of frustration, or fatigue. But his spirits usually bounce back fast. He’ll still have a few horses around.
Maurizio Grosso
Famous coach of Italian origin, known especially for having trained the Dubois-bred champion Daguet Rapide, Maurizio Grosso—with his charming, lilting Italian accent—shared with us his vision of what it means to be a “leader.”
“You hadn’t even finished your lap yet, or the 1,400-meter straight at La Beauvoisinière, that he had already finished everything, done 10 laps and made four phone calls. He’s different from the others: he moves faster and sees further. By looking everywhere, he compared the good things and figured things out on his own. He has something extra in his hands, a sixth sense for horses. When he touches a horse, he sees into it. He has always worked hard, diligently, but his mindset has always been oriented first toward breeding. He was a visionary in the United States, but also in Italy: he had seen Franco-American horses there that were correct, and he had the idea of sending his best mares to be bred with top American stallions. He was a pioneer, and Italy allowed him to start his offspring early, confirming his vision. He revolutionized the Italian market, and the French one too.”