Introducing the finalists for the 2016 Trophées du Personnel des Courses et de l’Élevage

With Awards night fast approaching, the fourteen-strong judging panel have announced the fifteen finalists for the first edition of the Trophées du Personnel des Courses et de l’Élevage, to be held on November 19 at Auteuil racecourse. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, 19 November.
 
Godolphin and France Galop are delighted to present the three finalists per category:

LEADERSHIP
For those managing at least two other members of staff who have displayed leadership qualities, a real ambition to succeed within the industry, as well as mentoring skills that have been to the benefit of those around them.

Michel Denuc (Tony Clout): Michel loves coming to work every day. The daily activities of training, contact with the horses, watching their progress and witnessing them achieve their potential by winning races is a source of contentment for him. He feels gratitude just coming to work every day.

Romain Dupasquier (Francis-Henri Graffard): Romain leads a team of more than thirty employees and close to 100 horses. This quiet young man watches over his personnel and his horses with a conscientious, caring efficiency.

Jean-Bernard Roth (Jean-Claude Rouget, nominated by J R Dubosc): Jean-Bernard doesn’t seek recognition for his quietly discreet role. He first started riding in Tosse, in the South of France, before joining the racing school (AFASEC) in Mont-de-Marsan. A loyal and longstanding member of Jean-Claude Rouget’s team, he has been with his current employer for 35 years!

DEDICATION TO RACING
Travelling lads, secretaries, head lads, ground staff. For employees who have worked for a minimum of fifteen years within the industry. They are vitally important team-players who are always ready to share their passion, experience and knowledge with others, and above all show a dedication and commitment to their job.

Jean-Frédéric Cecillon (Grégoire Leenders – Nominated by Etienne Leenders): Every morning Jean-Frédéric arrives at the stable motivated by fundamental values: team spirit and a love horses.  Day-in and day-out he remains dedicated to his work and the challenges it poses.

Jean-Paul Montule (Francis-Henri Graffard): Jean-Paul is the backbone of the Graffard yard, readily accepting whatever challenge is put his way.  It is in this way he has followed his career in the racing industry.  A true horseman, he has dedicated his whole life to racing, taking great pleasure in passing on his passion and knowledge to the younger generations.

Pascal Roulland (François Rohaut): From a very young age, Pascal has always loved working with animals.  His fondest childhood memories are of holidays on his grandparents’ farm, rising early to look after the livestock. He has carried in the same way, diligently, and always with respect for the animals he works with, now as a travelling head lad.

RIDER
For those who have shown a talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in and out of the saddle and/or have achieved something remarkable during the course of the last year.

Eric Alloix (HH The Aga Khan – nominated by Alain de Royer-Dupré): Eric Alloix is discreet, down to earth, and above all passionate about his horses, and committed to his job.

Aurélie Baillif (Pascal Journiac): What started as a passion is now Aurélie’s career. For her the victory is to be involved in training, and caring for the horses that she loves, always showing respect for the animals. To see one of her charges pass the post in front, is a source of immense joy to Aurélie.

Alexis Larue (Jean-Pierre Gauvin): Alexis has been with his current employer for 15 years and he still gets the same pleasure now from his job, as when he started, getting up early every morning to go to work. He is a true nature lover, happiest surrounded by his horses, in Saint-Cyr-les-Vignes.  He is closely associated with the yard’s best horses, and for Alexis, he feels truly lucky for this amazing opportunity.

STUD STAFF
For those who work on a stud and have proven their competence, dedication and reliability, as well as a real talent for the job and love of horses. This award recognises those who are also adaptable and are team players.

Thierry Aubin (Haras de Maulepaire – Nominated by Pierric Rouxel): Thierry is passionate about what he does, and he works conscientiously, organising his team.  His other great passion is breeding horses!

Edwige Barbier (Haras de la Hêtraie Stud – Nominated by Pascal Noue): Edwige joined the Haras de la Hêtraie in 2009 and afterwards. Pascal Noue gave her the opportunity to work with the stallions. She is extremely proud to look after the six stallions standing at La Hêtraie, having been stallion handler for more than five years.

Antoine Bellanger (Haras des Monceaux – Nominated by Henri Bozo): Antoine is dedicated to carrying out his job to the best of his ability, working with the team around him, showing rigour and precision, and always striving for excellence every day for the stud and the horses in his care.

NEWCOMER AWARD
For those who have been employed for less than five years within the industry, but during this time who have shown a strong motivation to improve in their skills and knowledge to the point of becoming an integral part of the team.

Claire Billet Legros (Aga Khan Studs – nominated by Georges Rimaud): Charlotte has always been passionate about horses and riding, but since discovering stud work, she has devoted her professional life to horses.  For Claire, to witness and assist a mare with the birth of her foal is a great privilege.

Pénélope Forme (Fabrice Chappet): Pénélope has been a rider from a young age and always passionate about horses, but on entering the racing school (AFASEC) she discovered her true calling.  Pénélope is brave, clever and poised. Currently studying for a BTS (NVQ equivalent) Diploma, she is giving herself every chance to succeed in the racing world.

Marie Paris (Carla O’HALLORAN): Marie loves the relation she has with horses, to listens to them, she understands them and makes them enjoy what they are doing. In her stable, Marie is involved at every stage: daily care of the horses and taking them to races.

Employee of the Year
Winner to be selected from one of the five categories (excluding the winner of the Newcomer Award).

On Saturday, 19 November at Auteuil racecourse, the judging panel of 14 industry professionals, chaired by Christine Leenders, will deliberate and designate the winner of each category. Godolphin has awarded each category with generous prizes to the winners and finalists.
The teams associated with the winners and finalists will also be rewarded. Godolphin will also give to the winner of the Newcomer Award a five-day trip to Dubai including: a day at the races, a visit to Zabeel Racing Stables and Training Center and the Dubai Equine Hospital.

For more information please visit www.tropheesdupersonnel.fr
Contact France Galop: Julien Pescatore – jpescatore@france-galop.com – +33 6 77 49 02 18
Contact Godolphin: Lisa-Jane Graffard – lgraffard@godolphin.com - +33 6 81 83 3112