ENGLISH TEXTS
riding in Germany for Adrie de Vries,” recalls the current leader of the Cravache d’ Or in flat racing.“ François Doumen didn’ t have anyone to ride his horse in a Quinté race at Deauville. He called on me. I won the race. That’ s where it all began!” One meeting, one ride, one victory— the first page of the story was written. Cristian Demuro said goodbye to the Eternal City. In September 2013, the Rome native joined François Doumen’ s stable in Chantilly. Not with reckless abandon, even though the Italian rider— twice Cravache d’ Or winner in Italy and a record-holder for victories there— already had an impressive résumé at just 21. In Italy, yes. But not in France:“ I had to start over from scratch. I left my family and friends. I didn’ t speak a word of French. It wasn’ t easy at first, but I was motivated and well supported.” Starting from zero, the younger brother of jockey Mirco Demuro— eleven years his senior— knew how to do it. With skill and style in the highly competitive French racing circuit, where making a name for yourself is no easy feat:“ I had to adapt and change the way I rode because races in France are very different from those back home. They are much more tactical and especially less consistent. In Italy, it rarely comes down to a sprint!”
2016, the year of the classics After François Doumen, another key figure would change his life. Bruno Barbereau, his agent at the time, was also the manager of Gérard Augustin-Normand’ s stable, which was experiencing notable success. The stable’ s then first jockey, Grégory Benoist, had ambitions in Asia. In 2016, Cristian Demuro stepped in to replace him. Riding for the famous white silks with the purple cap, the Rome native won his first classic races with La Cressonnière:“ Winning the Poule d’ Essai des Pouliches and then the Prix de Diane with her marked a turning point in my career. Those are unforgettable moments.” That same year, the double Italian Cravache d’ Or also won the Grand Prix de Paris aboard Mont Ormel. Three Group 1 victories in three months— less than three years after setting foot in France.“ I had two great years riding for Gérard Augustin-Normand’ s stable. When I decided to leave to become the first jockey for Jean-Claude Rouget, he didn’ t take it too well, but we’ ve remained on good terms since.”
More than just a trainer In 2018, Cristian Demuro became the number-one jockey for Jean-Claude Rouget’ s stable. The two know each other well and share great mutual respect. Sottsass brought them victory in the Prix de l’ Arc de Triomphe— a first for both of them. Three years later, Ace Impact allowed them to dream big again:“ If I’ m where I am to- day, it’ s thanks to him. He helped and advised me a lot over the years. Jean-Claude is more than just a trainer in my eyes.” Since the start of the year, Cristian Demuro has been honoring his role as first jockey for Nurlan Bizakov:“ Lazzat was recently sold, but the stable still has some good young horses. Mr. Bizakov is a true competitor, and I’ m confident for the future.” The man who will turn 33 on July 8 may become the first Italian jockey to win the Cravache d’ Or in France this year:“ Right now, I’ m in the lead, but that’ s not my top priority. My goal is to perform at the highest level and ride as well as I can. In this job, everything moves so fast. The hardest part is staying at the top. If on the evening of August 31 I’ m still in the running for the Cravache d’ Or, then I’ ll go for it!” You’ ve been warned...
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