ENGLISH TEXTS
David Maxwell. A big scopey horse he didn’ t make his debut until the make of November as a three-year-old at Compiegne in the Prix de saint-Raphael a race specifically for unraced threeyear-olds. He was held up and 8 lengths down from the from turning in but finished with a flourish to win by a head from Miss Maelys who has won twice since, and the third Lets Love was purchased by David Maxwell after the race. His next start was the following year as a four-year-old and at Auteuil in the Prix Ventriloque and his ability really shone through in his race as he won going away for a five and a half length win. It was a class 2 contest and he conceded weight all around to his five other competitors and gave his owner and this time rider David Maxwell and dominate display. This time he led from start to the finish and pulled clear to finish in 11.82s final furlong and 18.80s from the back of the second last which was the fastest in the field. There were three previous winners in the race and the horse that finished fourth; Neverchangedoctor went on to finish 2nd in a listed race for the same trainer afterwards. He is now in the care of Willie Mullins biggest Irish rival Gordon Elliott and will be donned by the silks of Robcour. His future surely lies in graded races and he is one to watch out for looking ahead at the major fesitvals. and will surely improve as
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
PONEYS
� PAGE 106
By Julia-Marie Penouilh
FRENCH PONY RACING CHAM- PIONSHIPS 2025: A SEASON TO REMEMBER
Pony racing is the 35th discipline of the French Equestrian Federation, and every summer is marked by the stages of the French Championships in flat, cross-country, and hurdles. From Deauville to Le Lion d’ Angers, via Pompadour, the 2025 edition highlighted the growing dynamism of this discipline and the remarkable commitment of everyone involved in the racing world.
Deauville sets the tone on the flat On August 7 and 9, the Deauville racecourse opened the season with the French Flat Elite Championships. Nathan Oger and Cwmplas Tiger Lilly won the B Elite category in the colors of Godolphin, while Tao Fouassier and Heatherton Cheetah prevailed in the C Elite category, supported by Haras d’ Etreham. In the D Elite category, Sacha Castela and Class Acte Annie triumphed under the prestigious silks of Aga Khan Studs.
Pompadour hosts the cross-country stage
On August 15, the Pompadour racecourse welcomed the cross-country stage of the championships. Pauline David and Yrenfys Tabitha dominated the B Elite category, supported by Yves Maupoil. Timéo Caron and Karaokee des Vallonsclaimed victory in the C Elite category in the colors of Hector de Lageneste, while Loris Beaurain and Kaliope won the D Elite category for Ecurie Hugo and Pierre Pilarski.
Le Lion d’ Angers brings the curtain down with hurdles On Saturday, September 20, the Lion d’ Angers racecourse hosted the final stage with the French Elite Hurdles Championships. Philippine Madamet and Diablotin de Bree shone in the B Elite category under the sponsorship of Écurie Tenor. Camille Rossignol and Heatherton Cheetah triumphed in the C Elite category wearing the silks of Mme Odette Fau, while Kieren Viaud Fitzpatrick and Imperialhigh Night Fighter won the D Elite category in the colors of Mr. Patrick Papot.
Sponsorship: a unanimous success These three championships confirmed the success of the sponsorship initiative launched by the National Association Les Poneys au Galop. The most renowned French and international owners answered the call. This initiative allows young riders to carry prestigious silks that inspire dreams,
169 # 12