It's official since Sunday December 29, 2024. Mayenne jockey Clément Lefebvre, originally from Craon (Mayenne), won the Golden Crop over obstacle. This prize rewards the jockeys who have won the greatest number of victories in France in one year. “It’s a childhood dream come true and the result of hard work from my entire team,” confides Clément Lefebvre.
This Monday, December 30, he counted 90 victories, out of more than 550 races completed this year. That's a gap of 9 victories with number two. The jockey had already won silver four times, from 2019 to 2022. “It was already huge, but I needed the gold. I have worked there since I was young. »
“It’s a lot of joy and pride”
However, in mid-November, he dislocated his shoulder following a fall, while he was in the lead. Five days before one of the most important weekends of the year with the Prix La Haye Jousselin. “I had to watch the race from my couch, says Clément Lefebvre. It was a lot of frustration not being able to participate. My motivation was to continue fighting for gold. » It stops for three weeks. “I quickly recovered thanks to the osteopaths and physiotherapists and we were able to continue. »
He is therefore enjoying his victory today. “It’s a lot of joy and pride, shared with my wife and my 2-month-old daughter. My wife has always supported me. It requires a lot of personal sacrifice. »
“My obsession is to stay on the podium”
The one who is also a trainer in Durtal, in Maine-et-Loire, however, does not intend to stop there. “My obsession is to stay on the podium. It's a demanding job that doesn't last very long. You have to take advantage of it. The objective is to compete for the title for ten more years. »
After the Grand Steeple-Chase of Paris, last May, and the Cravache d'or today, there is still one dream to tick off the jockey's list: “Win the Grand Cross de Craon. I am a native of this town, so it is close to my heart. Why not in 2025…” That's all we wish for him.
