Winner of a fifth Drivers’ Championship with 267 victories in 2023, 42 year-old Eric Raffin already has his sights set on a sixth in 2024. He will be reining Hail Mary in the Prix d’Amérique on Sunday but, before that, he took a few minutes out of his day to reply to our questions.

What is the best horse you have driven in your career? And why?

Face Time Bourbon. He was the perfect trotter, he’s a natural with a very easy action and was the perfect left-hander.

Is there a horse you dream of having reined?

I would have loved to drive Varenne. In a race, he never said ‘no’ when asked a question.

In your time, who has been the most influential jockey in the monté game?

Phillipe Masschaele, he revolutionised the way we ride in this discipline.

Same question for harness racing

Jean-Michel Bazire, he adapts to everything. He can race at Marseille or Solvalla, he’s at home everywhere!

Who is the trainer that has impressed you the most?

At the moment, we’re seeing something exceptional from Thierry Duvaldestin. He has managed to implement a system whereby he’s not going to be quickly dethroned from his seat at the head of the table.

The best encounter of your career?

My wife!

Your most unexpected victory?

It’s difficult, but it has to be Joyau D’Amour in the Cornulier. I did everything wrong in the Prix de l’Île-de-France which at that time was run a fortnight before the big one. Jean-Philippe Mary had been offered the ride but he had to turn it down because of his retainer with the Van Eeckhaute family. He was already tied to Lazio Du Bourg, who had a good chance in the Prix de Vincennes, and Grace Ducaldans in the Cornulier. Without that I would never have ridden Joyau D’Amour. In the end, I won the race at 21/1!

Have you ever gone into, and won, a Gr.1 already knowing you would win?

I would say Face Time Bourbon in the Prix René Ballière.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Winning races!

In contrast, the biggest regret of your career?

My biggest regret is not yet having won the Prix d’Amérique.