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PROFILE
RELATIVE VALUES
THE GRAFFARDS Hard graft paying off
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T HAS been an exciting start for dynamic couple, who met on Sheikh Mohammed’s inaugural Darley Flying Start programme. “If you told me when I was younger that things would turn out like this, it would have been a dream come true,” Lisa-Jane says, who also works as Darley’s racing representative in France. Despite both having full time jobs, albeit in the same industry, it often sees them in different parts of the country. However, it is a true team effort that has seen such results. This includes seven full time staff, “assistant trainer” Nelson – the couple’s terrier – as well as new chocolate Labrador recruit Hardy, who in keeping with the yard’s youngsters is on a learning curve. Both Francis and Lisa-Jane were been brought up around horses from an early age. Francis comes from Burgundy, the mecca for the AQPS (French Chaser), a breed his grandfather bred. “He had a few mares when I was growing up, but I am the first member of my family to actually work in the industry.” Lisa-Jane was also surrounded by thoroughbreds in Co. Tipperary where her mother Virginia still breeds. The latter is perhaps best known for raising five time Group 1 winner Vinnie Roe, who took the Irish St. Leger an outstanding four times for Dermot Weld. During his holidays, Francis gained experience with the likes of Jehan Betran de Balanda whilst working towards a degree in Commercial Law, following in his father’s footsteps. “I think this has really helped me with my choice of career, and it has opened doors for me.” Just one of these was the Flying Start, where his potential was spotted, along with Lisa-Jane’s, to take part in the two-year
46 TRAINERMAGAZINE.com ISSUE 40
Four years ago, Francis Graffard took the decision to move back to his native France with his wife Lisa-Jane. In this, his first season as a trainer, he has already sent out 22 winners including Group 3 winner Pearl Flute, collecting nearly €500,000 in prize money. WORDS: ISABEL MATHEW PHOTOS: APRH, ISABEL MATHEW
scholarship. “It was a fantastic programme that enabled me to travel and see the best of everything and make lots of contacts. It also helped me to meet my wife!” Together they travelled and worked in the United States, Australia, Dubai, England, and Ireland during this period. Francis also spent time in Chantilly with 23-time Champion French Trainer Andre Fabre. At the end of the course, he then became Darley’s racing representative in Britain. “I spent four seasons in the role, and again it was a fantastic way to see how different trainers work, gain a thorough knowledge of racing in the country, as well as meet a lot of people.” Graffard knew he always wanted to return to France however, and when an opportunity
“I learnt a lot from Alain, and his method of training. He is very patient, and knows exactly how to read horses and treat them as individuals”
came up with Alain de Royer-Dupre, he didn’t hesitate to follow in the paths of Mikel Delzangles, Eric Libaud, and Stephane Wattel. “I initially decided to spend two seasons there before setting up on my own, but I wasn’t ready, so I stayed another year. “It put me back in a more hands on position, and enabled me to gain a thorough knowledge of Chantilly, the gallops, and make contacts with farriers, vets and so on meaning that I could choose from the best when I started.” During his time with the Chantilly maestro, Graffard was associated with horses such as Prix du Jockey-Club winner Reliable Man, as well as Group 1 winners Reggane, Alpine Rose, and Americain. “I learnt a lot from Alain, and his method of training. He is very patient, and knows exactly how to read horses and treat them as individuals. He gives them a steady routine, and is not scared to give them a bit of time if they need it.” Finally the time was right for Graffard to start up on his own. “I went to the October Sales at Deauville looking for clients because I was worried about not having many horses. Everyone said it was difficult to start in Chantilly and I should begin in the provinces, but it’s here where I have the best knowledge.”