ENGLISH TEXTS
The story of Helal Alalawi, trainer and owner from the Emirates, belongs to that rare category where sport blends seamlessly with legend. In just a few days, he will present his jewel, HM Alchahine( Al Mourtajez), in the world championship reserved for Purebred Arabians. On September 7th, the colt had soared to victory in the Prix Dragon( Gr. 1), crushing the hopes of his rivals despite a reduced but formidable opposition.
Around this rising star, Jean-Claude Pecouet was recently appointed Racing Manager for Alalawi. He is no novice: a trainer in Morocco until 2020 for the L’ Olivier Rouge stable, then in the Emirates under Sheikh Mansour’ s colors, he has now chosen to embrace a different role.“ Staying close to the horses, that’ s what matters,” he readily admits. And through his words, one feels that this passion has never waned. He now stands by Helal Alalawi as a true right-hand man, observing every detail, filming canters and gallops, becoming the eyes of his employer whenever his horses campaign in France. His vision of Purebred Arabians reveals profound admiration:“ They are horses of rare intelligence,” he explains.“ They sometimes recognize people better than we do ourselves. But they demand genuine complicity with their rider. Without that bond, they become elusive.”
For a man who has known both flat and jumps racing, the Purebred Arabian remains the most complex to train. And yet, when horse and rider finally find harmony, the relationship takes on an almost magical dimension.“ Everyone has, I believe, their own working method, and for me this is simply the chance to learn more every day. You never stop learning in life, whether with horses or in other matters … Mr. Alalawi is very open, eager to exchange ideas: he has his eye, I have mine, and that allows us to confront and align in the best possible way,” says Jean-Claude. In Chantilly, he observes daily the progress of HM Alchahine, whom he describes plainly as“ an exceptional horse.” On October 5th, he will face a formidable rival, Al Ghadeer, whom many describe as being“ from another planet.” The clash promises to be nothing short of monumental.
Helal Alalawi himself is no stranger to great achievements. Already credited with multiple Group wins, he also boasts a second place in the World Cup with RB Kingmaker, and above all“ at home,” the prestigious Saudi Cup for Purebred Arabians, the ultimate crown for any Gulf owner. For Jean- Claude, the goal is crystal clear: after such a triumph, the pinnacle can only be reached by one day lifting the Cup … on French soil.
French in name, Berber at heart, Arab in spirit. France, he says bluntly, is too narrow for his ambition. Should the opportunity arise, he would follow Mr. Alalawi to the Emirates without hesitation. But beyond his personal plans, he emphasizes an ethical imperative:“ Respecting and thanking the horses is essential,” he insists.“ Neglecting their care and their rest after campaigns would be a major mistake, a fault that would harm both the animals and the joy of their owners.” On this path, many figures accompany him. Among them, Elisabeth Bernard, whom he describes with sincere admiration. Attentive, constant, determined, she embodies for him the very model of professionalism and humility, qualities that“ always end up being recognized.” Thus emerges the portrait of a passionate, modest man, deeply devoted to horses. And when asked how he envisions the future, his answer is wrapped in wisdom:“ Every day is a new day … What tomorrow will be, we shall see tomorrow.”
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