Sunday in Angers, Valentin Le Clerc won his first victory as an apprentice over hurdles for the training of his boss, Erwan Grall. For the record, it was on this same racecourse that the 16-year-old young man won his first pony race, on May 17, 2017! By Alice Baudrelle.
Valentin Le Clerc alongside his father, Armel Le Clerc, after his first victory in the saddle on Karma de Rêve
Two months after its official competitive debut, Valentin Le Clerc broke the ice on the Angers racecourse in the Prix des Plantagenêts, a race reserved for 4-year-old AQPS over hurdles. Related to Dream Karma (Fly With Me), l’apprenti d’Erwan Grall mounted a nice waiting race before taking the advantage at the approach to the last difficulty, winning by 2 and a half lengths. This was the 12th ride for Valentin Le Clerc, who had already finished 4 times in the province.
Valentin Le Clerc during his very first victory on the back of a pony, with his brother Baptiste
Valentin Le Clerc won his very first pony race in Angers 7 years ago, he who has around fifty victories in this circuit. The young man seems well on his way to following in his brother's footsteps Baptistewho is part of the top 10 French obstacle jockeys. A student at the CFA in Laval, he told us: “ My father, Armel Le Clerc, is a trainer at Dragey, and I started riding racehorses at the age of 8. My brother's success pushes me to become even better than him, but I've always enjoyed it! Baptiste always helped and supported me in everything I did. He gives me advice to improve myself in the morning and the afternoon, and constantly seeks to push me to the top. »
Here alongside Pierre Remoué, Valentin Le Clerc won 4 French Champion titles, including 2 in Deauville
Valentin Le Clerc started directly at Auteuil on September 28 with two 6th places up for grabs, training Erwan Grall: “ It’s a team that is developing in Nort-sur-Erdre, and I saw an opportunity to make my mark there. Erwan Grall is a good trainer who has worked in big teams, and he brings me a lot of things. In addition, there are good jockeys who jump horses in the morning like Thomas Beaurain, Geoffrey Ré,Raphaël Mayeur or even Charlotte Prichard. »
Valentin Le Clerc during a pony race at Lion-d'Angers
Valentin Le Clerc was crowned French Champion 4 times in pony racing: over hurdles in Craon and cross-country in Vaumas, but also twice on the flat in Deauville. The young man intends to win other titles in the future: “ I hope to continue my momentum and obtain a Golden Stirrup, and later a Golden Crop… I thank my father who passed on to me the love of horses, and who gave me a lot. He has already had me ride 5 times and my next ride will be for him next Sunday, in Craon. »
During her debut in Auteuil with Kebella Conti © APRH
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