The list of renowned sportsmen eager to shine in the racehorse owner’s cap continues to grow. After Antoine Griezmann, Clément Lenglet, M’Baye Niang, Astier Nicolas, Tony Parker and the former football coach, Carlo Ancelotti, the 2012 Olympic champion, Renaud Lavillenie (34) has just entered the circle. The high-level athlete obtained his approvals from France Galop. And it is quite naturally that his choice fell towards the obstacle, “it is a discipline which should suit me well”, confides the former world record holder in pole vault.
A few hours away from flying to Reunion to participate in a national training course, in preparation for the new competitions scheduled for early 2021, the gold medalist tells us about his new passion.
What prompted your desire to become a racehorse owner?
Renaud Lavillenie. I work with a young pole vaulter named Jules Cyprès. He is the son of Thierry Cyprès, a great breeder of racehorses in the Nièvre. Jules knew how to sharpen my curiosity towards this universe. For over a year, I had been thinking about taking shares in racehorses and finally I preferred to hold my own colors.
How many horses do you own?
To date, I own seven mares from Cypress breeding. Two of them will soon be running under my colors. They were born in the spring of 2017. Regarding the other five, I am associated with my breeder.
What are your ambitions with them?
The objective is not to want at all costs to reproduce my level as a pole vaulter. But as a competitor at heart and thanks to the Cypress family which immediately allows me to be at the top of the basket, I hope to be able to access Group I events and why not at Auteuil. Although a neophyte in the field of racing, I am aware that this level cannot be reached overnight. We will have to start with the provincial racetracks.
Which trainer are you going to call on?
Nothing is defined yet. I trust the choice and knowledge of Thierry Cyprès.
What are your affinities with the equestrian world?
To be quite frank, I’ve only been to a racetrack once. It was during one of my competitions in Vichy (Allier) where I was invited by one of my partners on the racetrack. And it was the opportunity to take a tour of the track in a roadcar (two-seater sulky led by a professional). Otherwise, I grew up among horses. At the time my father had set up a small equestrian center near Mont-de-Marsan (Landes) with a dozen horses. But above all, this new experience is for me a great human adventure in which I am embarking on with a lot of hopes. I can’t wait to see my colors on the track. I imagine that emotionally it is very powerful.
Article original de: www.leparisien.fr
