Chairman’s message
CRIQUETTE HEAD
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EXPERIENCED the Epsom Derby first hand with Epicuris and I would like to thank the professionalism of the English stewards and chief starter at Epsom, Robbie Supple. With the assistance of Nicolas Blondeau, Epicuris entered the stalls with no problem. This horse is exceptionally intelligent and for some reason he has taken against the French starting team, whereas with this horse behaviour specialist, he behaves like a lamb! I was terribly disappointed by the reaction of the French authorities who would not allow Nicolas Blondeau to accompany Epicuris to the start in Chantilly, as this shows just how far we still have to go to achieve harmonisation of rules across Europe. I have the utmost respect for the French stalls teams, but I found France Galop’s decision incomprehensible as it deprived the Prix du Jockey-Club of a Group 1 winner in the lineup. I will continue to fight this point for all trainers who wish to have an assistant at the stalls for exceptionally difficult horses. I applaud the achievement of trainer Bob Baffert, whose American Pharoah became the first American Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Exploits like this are fantastic for our sport as media interest brings racing to
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Dear Trainers, We have enjoyed some wonderful sporting moments so far this season, with highlights being the unbeaten Epsom Derby winner Golden Horn and American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown success in America. the general public. American Pharoah has adorned the front page of major newspapers and even been broadcast live on morning television, so now almost all Americans have heard about racing’s latest champion. As you are all aware, Sheikh Joann al Thani and I have set ourselves a challenge with Treve to win a third Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. A website. www.followtreve.com, has been created for her fans from all over the world to follow her campaign, and it is wonderful that so many people can share in this. I am a firm believer that we need the media and the public on our side to ensure the future of racing and I am always willing to do whatever I can to help with this. Indeed, Chantilly recently organised an Open Day which welcomed a good number of visitors, who were delighted to see behind the scenes and enjoy the morning training on the gallops. The French jumps season is drawing to a close and I was pleased to see so many English and Irish visitors running in our big races with great success. This all adds to the competitiveness of the racing and is also positive for our breeding industry, which is of course the basis of our sport. I look forward to some more excellent racing over the summer, and wish you all well with your horses. ■
I was terribly disappointed by the reaction of the French authorities who would not allow Nicolas Blondeau to accompany Epicuris to the start in Chantilly, as this shows just how far we still have to go to achieve harmonisation of rules across Europe
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