The hearing lasted more than three hours. Time to confront two completely opposite versions. This Thursday morning, Riviera rider Alexandre Ayache, 42, appeared before the criminal court of Thonon-les-Bains (Haute-Savoie), facing the complainant who took him there. Tried for forgery and use of forgery, the athlete qualified during the last three Olympic Games proclaimed his innocence. Decision expected on February 13.
At the heart of the debates: Romy's conditions of sale. A mare acquired in 2006 by Laurence Bigan-Giroud, a rider established near the Swiss border. In 2011, this equestrian owner tried to resell it at an auction. But Romy is rejected. It was then that Alexandre Ayache entered the scene, through a mutual acquaintance, Jean V.
Sensitive to his reputation as an outstanding trainer, Laurence Bigan-Giroud entrusts Romy to him. The mare disappoints Alexandre Ayache, according to him. He nevertheless buys back 50% of its price, with a view to making it breed. But Romy “doesn’t take it”. In 2014, it passed into the hands of Jean V., who relaunched it during competitions. The affair broke out two years later.
Suspicious signature
In 2016, Laurence Bigan-Giroud realizes that Romy no longer belongs to him. Not even 50%. Feeling cheated, she files a complaint. She claims that her signature was forged on a certificate which grants full ownership of Romy to Alexandre Ayache. Two expert graphologists will look at this document. It is he who deserves the Riviera to be judged for forgery and use of forgery.
President Amandine Masson, sitting as a single judge, places these writings at the heart of the debates. An expert is categorical: the signature is not that of Laurence Bigan-Giroud. But is Alexandre Ayache the forger? Interpretations differ on both sides. The person concerned categorically denies any falsification.
-According to our colleagues from Dauphiné Libéré, present at the hearing, he maintains that Romy was not at the expected level and denounces relentlessness towards him. In her opinion, the original owner would have difficulty digesting having sold at a low price a mare bought back, ultimately, for a six-figure sum.
Relaxation pleaded
“I was defrauded. I stupidly trusted,” summarizes Laurence Bigan-Giroud. Her counsel, Me Isabelle Boggio, describes a complainant sure of her rights, perhaps naive but incapable of lying, who showed tenacity in demanding justice. And this, in an equestrian environment perverted by money.
Accustomed to defending riders, Me Richard Rondoux replies that this dispute was a matter of civil justice, and not criminal. He denounces “false accusations”, believes that “the investigation gave birth to a mouse”. In his eyes, Alexandre Ayache established himself as the de facto owner of a horse that he fed and maintained. The lawyer pleads for release.
The Olympic rider, who competed in the team dressage final at Versailles last summer, says he is a victim of his notoriety. He defends himself tooth and nail. In this legal face-to-face, the prosecution refuses to position itself. The court will make its decision in four weeks.
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