Yesterday, racegoers had the chance to see the Gentlemen Riders and Ladies at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur. One of the many important events for the FEGENTRI this week with its 58th General Assembly, the presentation of the upcoming World Championships, and the showcase of the works and developments at the Hippodrome.
Several important conferences marked the week at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur. Already on Wednesday, the FEGENTRI (International Federation of Gentlemen Riders and Lady Riders) presented last Wednesday the upcoming 2013 World Championships for Gentlemen Riders and Lady Riders, which will take place in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Friday saw the 58th General Assembly of the FEGENTRI, chaired by Nathalie Bélinguier in the Cannes salons of the Marriott Hotel. Cities like New York, Stockholm, London, or Paris have already hosted it. A great showcase for the Côte d’Azur, particularly for Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Founded in 1955 in the Swiss mountains of Saint-Moritz, the International Federation of Gentlemen Riders incorporated the Lady Riders in 1966 to become the FEGENTRI. It has 25 member countries, including the most influential ones: Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, and of course, France. But also noteworthy is the presence of more exotic nations like Mauritius, Oman, Qatar, Madagascar, or Malaysia. Since 1955, it has organized an international championship, allowing over 30 amateur jockeys each year to ride in nearly 60 races spread across 15 countries. France holds the record for victories with 20 golden spurs out of 56 championships.
In France, the Club of Gentlemen Riders and Ladies operates with a President, Baron Jean de Bretizel, a Board, and a small team of employees. Today, it has about 450 members, including 250 young Gentlemen Riders and Ladies from diverse backgrounds (students, salespeople, artisans, executives, flight attendants, doctors, lawyers…). They participate in gallop races organized by France-Galop on over 100 racetracks in France.
Two Gentlemen Riders and Ladies races scheduled for this Saturday in Cagnes
As every day and at any racetrack in the country, PMU fans meet and come to bet on the multiple races. Even though the most famous meetings generally take place at the racetracks in Île-de-France or Normandy, regional tracks should not be forgotten. And we cannot say that the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur leaves trotting, gallop, or other harnessed race enthusiasts indifferent.
But before the races started this Saturday, it was an opportunity to present and inaugurate the latest works and developments at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur. For this event, the President of France Galop, Bertrand Bélinguier, made the trip. A way to do everything possible to welcome the future World Championships of Gentlemen Riders and Lady Riders in optimal conditions.
Two races were dedicated to them in the national meeting, and many were present in Cagnes on this sunny day. First, the 4th race, the JW Marriott Cannes Prize, and the 6th race, the Marriott Côte d’Azur Prize. The first was won by Eskadi, ridden by Barbara Guenet with the highest odds (23/1) ahead of Kourdo (4.3/1) and Temple Bar (6.7/1). The second race had fewer surprises with the victory of the big favorite Esprit des Temps and his jockey Guilain Bertrand (3.7/1) ahead of Earl of Fire (6.1/1) and Cat Melody (4.9/1).
