Every year, a few individuals stand out in their respective fields, so we decided to ask a couple of enlightened professionals who they thought would stand out in 2024.

Gérald Mossé, who requires no introduction, was quick to say, “For me, Alexis Pouchin is the rising star of the weighing room.

“He is a talented young jockey. Based on my own experience, I see him as a fine tactician. He is a capable horseman with a cool head. He does’t confuse speed with urgency, and knows how to finish. Those are two qualities that define the good jockeys. He has the confidence of an extraordinary mentor, and has manifestly shown (winning the Gr.1s Prix Rothschild and Prix Jean Romanet with Mqse De Sévigné) that he is a rising star.”

For trainer Nicolas Caullery, “Christopher Head has had an exceptional year, and has everything he needs to be a great trainer, even though he is still ‘learning the trade’. As a trainer, you learn something new every day, but what he did in 2023, you don’t see every day. For a young handler who only just set up shop a few years ago, he has already distinguished himself, and should again make his mark in 2024.

“We are fortunate to have so many jockeys of quality who have been roundly prepared for their vocation. You see French jockeys delivering at the highest level all over the world. Last year’s champion apprentice, Dorian Provost, is gifted with this nonchalance that allows him to take risks. He often pulls off unlikely wins, and has bottle which many professionals of similar experience don’t have. Thomas Trullier is another promising youngster, as is Alexis Pouchin who frequently rides for André Fabre, and anyone who rides for Fabre tends to end up becoming Number 1!”