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| Staff Writer |
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French trainer Jerome Reynier stands at the threshold of his most daring venture yet as Dubai Turf hero Facteur Cheval prepares for an ambitious surface switch in this month's Gr.2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 at Meydan. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the career of both trainer and horse, potentially reshaping their trajectory in international racing.
The gelded son of Ribchester has already arrived in Dubai, accompanied by two of Reynier's trusted team members, as they break new ground in their preparation approach for what could be a transformative Middle Eastern campaign.
"To be honest with you, we don't really know until we try," Reynier admits, reflecting the mixture of anticipation and uncertainty surrounding this bold move. “Facteur Cheval has been training very well on the dirt prior to the Dubai Turf last year."
The Marseille-based conditioner's decision to arrive early in Dubai marks a significant departure from their usual preparation strategy. Rather than conducting final preparations in France as they've done for previous international raids, Reynier has opted for an extended stay in Dubai to give his stable star time to acclimatise to the dirt surface.
"He's already arrived three days ago," Reynier reveals. "Two people are with him - a work rider and my assistant trainer. They're going to stay for the three months until the Dubai World Cup night."
This methodical approach stems from a brief but promising encounter with dirt during last year's Dubai campaign. Facteur Cheval showed enough talent in morning works to plant the seed of possibility in his connections' minds. The horse's adaptability has been a hallmark of his career, successfully handling various turf conditions from good to heavy.
"Yes, he does enjoy it," Reynier notes about the dirt surface. "However, Facteur Cheval has only trained for a few days on dirt last year prior to the Dubai Turf, so he hasn't really gotten used to the surface yet."
Facteur Cheval's journey to this point reads like a racing fairytale. Bred by the McCracken family's small Northern Ireland stud, he was initially a challenging prospect. As Reynier recalls, "When I was called, they explained the story. He was physically very nice looking but was very immature and tough to deal with."
The horse's early career was marked by difficulties at the starting gates, requiring intervention from a horse whisperer. But once he found his stride as a three-year-old, there was no looking back. Under Reynier's patient guidance, he has developed into a formidable international competitor, amassing career earnings exceeding US$4.2 million.
The Gr.2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 on 24 January will serve as the litmus test for more ambitious targets, including potential tilts at the US$20 million Saudi Cup and the US$12 million Dubai World Cup.
"Obviously, this is going to be a new challenge, and we'll see how the 24th goes," Reynier says. "If he proves to be as good on dirt as he is on turf, the connections will be happy to let him compete in the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup as well."
The switch to dirt presents unique challenges, particularly the kickback that Facteur Cheval will need to contend with when not setting the pace. Reynier's team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation, focusing on every detail, from training routines to shoeing adjustments.
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In a significant strategic change, Mickael Barzalona will take the reins for the dirt debut, replacing regular partner Maxime Guyon. The decision reflects the specific demands of dirt racing, with Reynier noting Barzalona's extensive experience on the surface in Dubai.
"Maxime Guyon hasn't got much experience on the dirt, but he has won many prestigious races on turf in Dubai. Therefore, Mickael Barzalona will be the one riding him," Reynier explains.
The horse has been training on the Tapeta surface since arrival, with Reynier expressing satisfaction with his current condition. "He's in very good shape and we're happy with him, ” he enthused. “He travelled safely and trained this morning on the Tapeta - everything was good with him."
Facteur Cheval's impressive 2023 campaign, which included victory in the US$5 million Dubai Turf and placing in four consecutive Group One events in Europe, has given Reynier confidence in his charge's ability to adapt to new challenges.
"You have to know your horses. They're all different, and you must adapt the training and find the perfect rider who knows the horse perfectly. The horse will feel secure and happy to have someone to rely on that they know very well," Reynier emphasises, highlighting the importance of understanding each individual horse's needs.
While stablemates Darlinghurst and Lazzat also show international potential, Reynier maintains a laser focus on Facteur Cheval's immediate challenge. "Right now, Facteur Cheval will be the only one," he confirms. "Darlinghurst is taking a break and is just starting to come back. I don't think he will be ready for the winter campaign in the Middle East, as he has already travelled extensively to North Australia and Hong Kong. We're going to take our time with him."
Operating from his base in the south of France, the trainer has steadily built a powerful operation that consistently achieves at the highest level. "It's a numbers game," Reynier reflects. "It's just a matter of ensuring you're running your horses in the right places and training them the right way. It's also important to get good people around you because, as a trainer, you need a very good team to help you out. A lot of these things are now in place."
The logistical challenges of international campaigning from southern France don't deter Reynier. "We start from the south of France. So, every time we travel a horse, there are a lot of logistical issues. You have to get the horse in shape and ready before he leaves. Then it's just a matter of keeping the horse happy."
"The most important thing is to keep him in one piece, happy, and looking good. So that's our job," Reynier affirms, emphasising that regardless of the surface, the horse's wellbeing remains paramount.
As the desert sands await, both trainer and horse stand ready to write the next chapter of their remarkable story. For Reynier, whose journey from bloodstock agent to international Group One-winning trainer mirrors his stable star's rise from difficult youngster to global competitor, this latest challenge represents another opportunity to prove that with patience, understanding, and careful preparation, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.