10 mars. By trotting 1’08”1 and thus establishing the new speed record for the European continent following his coronation in the Grand Critérium de Vitesse de la Côte d’Azur, Grif varnishing despite himself, launched the debate in France. The Italian champion conquered Cagnes “equipped” with a so-called “American” sulky. This brand new prototype is building a notoriety to the point of being adopted by the Sulky d’Or, Éric Raffin, who never leaves it.
25 avril. This is the date chosen by one of the greatest French jockeys in history, “Magic” Olivier Peslier, to bow out at the age of 51 at the La Teste racecourse. He will be followed shortly after, on July 13, by the man in white gloves, Gérald Mossé (57), who is now continuing his career as a coach at Chantilly.
June 17. The day after his triumph in the Prix de Diane, Sparkling Plenty comes under the fire of the Goffs Sales at Ascot. Her owner-breeder, Jean-Pierre Dubois, bought her for 9.5 million euros and a few hours later, he sold half of her to Al Shaqab Racing for 5.9 million euros. Beaten in the Arc, the filly will ultimately be sold for 5 million euros at the Arqana Breeding Sales to continue her career in the United States.
July 4. This was not really in the habits of the PMU, but the historic operator “mistaken” regarding its budgetary forecasts for the year 2024. At the beginning of July, the PMU announced that it would be able to repay not the 851 million euros planned but 838 million euros, horse racing betting not having experienced the expected growth. At the end of the year, tensions were felt, with Trot administrators refusing to sign the 2025 projection.
July 19. The Enghien site lights up in the colors of the Olympics in the evening, the racecourse having been chosen to celebrate the 61st stage of the famous flame relay. 24 hours before, Sophie Chuette wore it on the Chantilly racecourse while the symbol of Olympism will then head to Grosbois.
Sophie Chuette was moved to tears while carrying the Olympic Flame in Chantilly.
© SCOOPDYGA
August 1. After having been singled out by the Court of Auditors regarding its management of Large International Punters (GPI), the PMU, under the voice of its General Director, Emmanuelle Malecaze-Doublet, decides to exclude this type of player from Quinté+. The objective is to give hope of winnings to traditional bettors.
August 8. While the Deauville meeting is in full swing, Jour de Galop echoes news that will enliven the microcosm of galloping for a few weeks: Jean-Claude Rouget and Jérôme Reynier will join forces. But the story was not a smooth sailing and shortly after mid-September, by mutual agreement, the two parties decided to throw in the towel.
August 28. During the night of this Wednesday August 27 to Thursday August 28, time stands still in Deauville during the Arqana Trot Sales: the daughter of Ready Cash and Bélina Josselyn, Nodessa Josselyn enters the ring. The auctions climb again and again until they become the top European price: €740,000!
The daughter from the royal marriage between Ready Cash and Bélina Josselyn, Nodessa Josselyn, explodes the auctions to reach 740,000 euros.
© MÉLISSA DELALANDE
November 7. Professional associations are calling on the racing world to march in the streets of Paris to protest against the idea of overtaxing horse racing betting to fill the gap in social security. 10,000 people will travel according to the organizers.
December 10. Shortly after eleven o’clock, 60 mares (and 20 reserves) are drawn to receive frozen sperm from the star American stallion Tactical Landing. This unexpected possibility offered to French breeders has caused a lot of ink to be spilled. The parent company committee voted a resounding “Yes” in favor of this contribution on September 19.
