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Hong Kong: A mirror of modern racing With its well-oiled season running from September to mid-July, its technological precision, exemplary TRANSPARENCY, and commercial dynamism, Hong Kong sets a benchmark: competitive, clear, and thrilling.
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THE
CHEF
1. THE CHEF
� PAGE 47
By Serge Okey
“ I HAD A GREAT TIME”
JEAN-PIERRE DUBOIS
A living legend in the world of horse racing, Jean-Pierre Dubois announced at the end of June that he is stepping away from racing at the age of 85. A month later, he confirms and explains this decision, which, according to him, concludes a gradual slowdown that began fifteen years ago. His long career, its highs and lows, his youth, his rise, his values, his loved ones, his memories, his dreams... In this in-depth interview, the“ chef” opens up more than usual— with his signature mix of mischief and humility.“ A man who knows himself well is necessarily modest,” said Lao She. Jean-Pierre Dubois knows himself very well.
Galorama. How are you feeling as this major turning point approaches?
Jean-Pierre Dubois. Fine, thank you. That’ s life. Everything ends one day. I never made long-term plans. Now, it’ s time to cross the finish line.
G. Retiring from work— something so deeply rooted in you...
J-P. D. Back then, we worked. At my age, it’ s over. I’ ve been lucky to have devoted people around me. Horses are my passion. I wasn’ t capable of doing anything else. I got expelled from school because I had a lung issue. I wasn’ t eating, weighed 30 kilos. At 13, I could barely write or count. A principal took me under her wing in night classes. But horses— they were my chance. I never really saw it as work.
G. Is it true that, as a child, you dreamed of being a flat jockey?
J-P. D. My father started with thoroughbreds, but he couldn’ t afford the boarding costs anymore. We were left with 2 or 3 trotters, so we stuck with those. I’ ve always loved flat racing.
G. How many horses have passed through your hands?
J-P. D. No idea. Some friends tried to count them, but I lost all the records when my house burned down. A shame— for selling, we could’ ve made a nice poster of all the winners we sold( laughs).
G. So your number of wins will remain a mystery …
J-P. D. Yes: around 2,500, but mostly small races. I used to race on minor tracks when
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