Trotting

Three figures notably stand out for 2023. A record number of 257 wins for a trainer in a calendar year was set by Thierry Duvaldestin, soundly beating the 239 realised in 2021. It is similarly difficult to ignore the exploits of Philippe Allaire’s Hohneck who notched up more than €1m in earnings last season. His accomplishments include coming 5th in the Prix d’Amérique, 3rd in the Prix de France, following that up with three Gr.1 victories, the Prix des Ducs de Normandie, Elitloppet, and UET Elite Circuit Final. The last mention goes to Gaspar D’Angis who stamped his name on the Grand National du Trot circuit, equalling the record of six GNT victories in one season, not to mention winning the Gr.2 Final itself.

Flat racing

While Jean-Claude Rouget’s Ace Impact has etched his name in French flat racing annals, winning all six of his races, including the French Derby and the Arc, Marie Vélon set a new record for the number of races won by a female jockey, finishing 2023 just one shy of 100 wins. Highlights of her year were winning the Gr.1 Prix Ganay, the Gr.2 Prix du Conseil, and her participation in the Japan Cup.

Jump racing

It was a year of firsts. Felix de Giles was a force all through the season and the 34 year-old English jockey ended the year on 92 wins, securing the Cravache d’Or (jockeys’championship), 25 ahead of his nearest rival, his biggest success coming in the Prix Ferdinand Dufaure with Juntos Ganamos. 18 year-old Léo-Paul Brechet lit up Auteuil with victory in the G.1 Prix Maurice Gillois during the 48h de l’Obstacle, giving way to memorable celebrations from trainer Gabriel Leenders and entourage of the victorious Amy Du Kiff.