After years at the top of the drivers’ table, Jean-Michel Bazire relinquished his crown in 2019 to the supremely talented Eric Raffin and the man from Challans (west of France) has won it every year since. He has also secured the Jockeys’ championship five times, twice sharing the honours with Franck Nivard.

Already with 52 victories to his name this season, he currently sits in second position, but the year is long and his will to win is as intense as ever. Known as a determined character in everything he does, the 41 year-old himself admits, “It’s true, I am a little excessive.” Nothing new to those around him.

Son of driver-turned-trainer, Jean, and grandson of Alexis, who won at Vincennes aged 70, Eric Raffin was fascinated by the sport at a young age, and the enchantment remains just as strong today. He began his career at the Dreux family’s operation and ultimately married Yves’ daughter Marie, who organises his life on the domestic front, while ex-trainer Eric Fournier acts as agent and counsellor. Both he and Marie are more than aware of what makes the champion tick. His desire to win.

Says Raffin of victory, “Winning is like a drug. I would rather win a small event in the provinces than come second in a big one at Vincennes.” Fournier adds, “He’s a worker, he’s close to people, he rides and drives for everyone with the same enthusiasm, and he’s punctual!” Quick to criticise himself after a bad ride, Raffin always takes responsibility. But as one journalist friend of the family pointed out about the horseman's character, “He’s not a bad loser….but he has to win!”