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| Staff Writer |
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The thunder of hooves echoing across Meydan Racecourse in the second race of the day, the Gr.1 Dubai Turf, belonged to Facteur Cheval.
Owned by Team Valor International and Gary Barber, this underdog secured a phenomenal upset victory in the prestigious US$5 million spectacle. The triumph marked not only a defining moment in his career but also cemented his place in history as the first offspring of Ribchester to claim glory at the highest level of competition.
A prospective trip to Hong Kong for Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval has been called off, and the horse will instead return to trainer Jerome Reynier's yard in France to prepare for a European campaign this summer headlined by a run in the Royal Ascot opener, Queen Anne Stakes.
And later, although no concrete plans are made yet, there is an option for the 5YO Irish-bred gelding to head to America for the season-ending Breeders' Cup, which this year takes place at Del Mar in November.
At the helm of Facteur Cheval's extraordinary journey stands Jerome Reynier, a luminary in the industry. Aged 38, Reynier has ascended from a bloodstock agent to a revered trainer with unparalleled speed and precision. His trajectory is a testament to unyielding dedication and an innate comprehension of the sport's intricacies. Inspired by his father's enthusiasm for equines, Reynier has meticulously crafted the path to success for the Group One winner.
Rooted in Reynier's upbringing is a deep connection to the equine world. As Facteur Cheval surged to victory under Reynier's adept guidance, it symbolised more than triumph on the racetrack—it embodied the culmination of generations' worth of passion, perseverance, and patience.
A Well-Deserved Rest And A Strategic Return To Defend The Crown
The 5YO has safely returned home to his stable in France.
"Facteur Cheval is back in France, and he's in good shape. The weather is as nice as Dubai," confirms Reynier, accentuating the horse's seamless transition into his new surroundings.
With an emphasis on the horse's welfare, Reynier stresses the importance of allowing the son of Ribchester ample time to recuperate post-Dubai race.
"He'll take some time because he deserves a real break after such a big effort. We will see," said Reynier.
Looking towards the future, Reynier elucidates a flexible blueprint for the entire's resurgence, contemplating potential targets ranging from races in France to prestigious events.
"We could target the races in France at the end of May. Or he could be aimed straight for the Royal Ascot, for either the Prince of Wales or (Queen Elizabeth II) Queen Anne stakes. He can do 2000 meters or stick to a mile of a straight course, as he has done so well earlier."
"We can also go back to Goodwood in August. Or maybe we will give it a go in the Irish Champion Stakes, as he is winning so well in the left-handed courses. Maybe he could do well," he said.
However, amidst strategic deliberations, Reynier remains steadfast in prioritising the horse's well-being above all else—a testament to his unwavering commitment to Facteur Cheval's longevity and success.
"The most important thing is to keep him in one piece, happy, and looking good. So that's our job. And we'll see where we go then," he affirmed.
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Trained in France by Jerome Reynier, Facteur Cheval campaigns for Team Valor International, headed by Barry Irwin and Gary Barber, a well-known American owner.
"I was very happy when he sent me messages to thank me and the team after this win. It was just amazing," he said.
The son of Ribchester is named after Facteur Cheval (Ferdinand Cheval), a French postman who spent 33 years building Le Palais idéal in Hauterives, in southeastern France which is regarded as an extraordinary example of naïve art architecture.
He is a fine advertisement for the McCracken family's small Northern Ireland stud. A family operation headed by Cecil and Hazel along with their sons Martin and Craig, the Co. Down-based breeders have been punching well above their weight for a number of years.
His dam, Jawlaat, was a relatively cheap purchase from Shadwell Farms for 18,000gns. From the exceptional extended family of Allegretta, whose descendants include the Derby winners Galileo, Sea The Stars, and Masar. In an interview with Godolphin, Craig McCracken had explained the reasons for sending her to Ribchester, "He was a brilliant four-time Gr.1 winner and when we saw him, we thought we needed to send him something with speed."
"Jawlaat fitted that bill, being a Shamardal half-sister to Teofilo's Gr.3-winning sprinter Tantheem. She is a big mare, 16.2 hands high, and we always loved the resultant foal, a big colt that needed a bit of time."
The horse was sold at Tattersalls for a relatively small price of 145,000gns and has won over US$3.7 million in career earnings.
While Facteur Cheval undeniably commands the spotlight, Reynier casts a luminous gaze upon other burgeoning talents within his stable. With aspirations set on prestigious races and future endeavours, these rising stars underscore the boundless potential within Reynier's stable.
"We've got two three-year-olds unbeaten in three starts. Fun with Flags. She is a Stakes winner, and she's aiming for the Gr.3 Prix (Pénélope) Cléopatre on April 19. That's a prep race for the French Oaks is a fascinating prospect.
"(Lepard) Lazzat will race next week in group three in (Brazil) Deauville. Unfortunately, he is a gelding; he won't be able to run in classics. He is a fascinating prospect who could also aim for Royal Ascot.
"We've also got Darlinghurst. He's got three starts this year and three wins, and he could be aiming for a Group race in Paris."
Even amidst the euphoria of victory, Reynier remains resolute in pursuing the next equine luminary. With an unwavering resolve, Reynier and his team traverse the globe, attending major sales events in search of the next Facteur Cheval. Their relentless pursuit of excellence is a testament to their dedication and commitment to perpetuating the sport's legacy.
"We will be at the breeze-up sale in Deauville. There will be a lot of yearling sales (over the next few months). So, we'll be around all the major sales as usual and trying to find the next Facteur Cheval." he said.
Anticipation mounts as Facteur Cheval's triumphant return to Dubai in 2025 is confirmed. He expresses a profound affinity for Dubai's turf track management—an ode to the meticulous care and precision that define the Emirate's racing landscape.
"The turf in Saudi Arabia is nice, but it is too fast. I really liked the way the turf track was managed in Dubai. That was an amazing track. The "Crown Prince" of the Dubai Turf will be defending his crown. If he's healthy enough and in good shape, we think it could be a good plan."
Staying Consistent And Picking The Right Battles
When asked about specific goals for the season, Renier focuses on maintaining consistency.
"We've been achieving more than 100 winners a year for three years now.
"Keeping the horses in good hands, being able to strike as often as possible, and keeping the team happy are the main things," he added.
Currently leading the number of wins in France, Reynier emphasises the importance of strategic race selection, "Every horse has its level of activity and wins. We need to choose and pick the right races for them."
Guided by the visionary stewardship of Jerome Reynier and bolstered by the unwavering support of an international ownership consortium, the 5YO has transcended expectations to become a symbol of excellence in the sport. With each stride, Facteur Cheval reaffirms his legacy as a paragon of greatness, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide.