January 18, 1992. Laurent-Claude Abrivard won the Prix de Cornulier with Here is Niel. The same day, Mathieu Mottier was born. Thirty-one years later, the jockey soared to success in the World Riding Championship with Flamme du Goutier.
“It was a sign,” says his father, Dominique, with a touch of pride. In the Mottier family, this Prix de Cornulier represents a lot. “My grandfather, Gérard, won it in 1974 with This story, as trainer and owner”, specifies the double winner of the Golden Stirrup, rewarding the jockey who has won the most races over a calendar year. But no member of the family had managed to register his name as a jockey, until yesterday.
As the post passed, Mathieu Mottier did not hide his joy. “What a treat,” he says. She was magical today. The father of two “lived a real dream” on the back of a Flamme du Goutier imperial, which retains its title in this Group I. A real feat that does not fail to highlight its jockey last year, Antoine Wiels: “She only ran seven times at the mounted trot. Each time Group I and she has won five and twice finished second. It’s a crazy thing ! »
She will be departing from America.
For his trainer, Thierry Duvaldestin, the relief could be read on his face. “Mathieu gave him a very good race. The mare was fine but we had doubts with this extra year in the legs. The first objective of the winter is therefore achieved for the Ornais coach who will present, next Sunday, the favorite of the Prix d’Amérique, Idao de Tillard, but also Flamme du Goutier. “That will be another story,” concludes the developer.
Herald of Arms as intended
Big favorite of the Prix Michel Marcel Gougeon, Herald of Arms did not disappoint its many takers by winning this Group III with great ease. “He couldn’t qualify for the Prix d’Amérique this year, but it’s only a postponement,” said Jean-Michel Bazire on the winners’ podium. This 6-year-old male easily precedes Horchestro et Howdy Partner.
Jean Balthazar with authority
Disqualified during his last outing, January 15 on the Parisian cinder, John Balthazar set the record straight yesterday at Paris-Vincennes. Driven by Alexandre Abrivard, the resident of Pascal Castel won the Prix Bellino II with authority. Despite its attractive end of race, Josh Power settles for second place and outstrips Jigsaw Puzzle, the favorite of this Group III reserved for 4-year-olds on harness.