Few of the professionals who started from nothing to succeed in the horse world. However, this is the dream that Mansour Krouchi, 27, is trying to achieve, by trying to find a place for himself in the world of trotting that he loves. Accompanied by his brother Ibrahim, 25, and his father, Nordine, 57, the family adventure began at an early age. “My father started out as a racer. He took us to the racetracks very early on, then bought a racehorse, then another… We accompanied him regularly to the racetracks. We even skipped school, ”smiles Mansour.
To achieve their childhood dream, the two brothers had to redouble their efforts. “With Ibrahim, we arrived at the Graignes school without knowing how to ride or take care of a horse,” he explains. It’s not easy to compete with coaching sons who have been doing this from a young age. We had to work harder to catch up. Fortunately, as our father had a few horses for us to ride, we were able to start running a bit. “
“Comments on my origins were my daily life”
Despite everything, the first steps were not always easy for the two brothers, especially in this environment where it is difficult to win. “Our parents have always been incredibly supportive,” Mansour guarantees. Before talking about the barriers that may have stood in his way, linked to his name: “The remarks on my (Algerian) origins were my daily life. It wasn’t easy too, but I got used to it. It has given us strength of character. There are racists and c… everywhere. “
Over the years and his experiences with Mickaël Tourteau, Daniel Béthouart, Yannick Henry and the Terry brothers, Mansour gradually climbed the ranks. “The trigger happened during the winter of 2015 in Grosbois,” he recalls. When I joined Daniel Béthouart’s team, I won my first race at Vincennes with Ruy Blas d’Ariane. After this victory, people started calling me. “
From that moment on, it took him three years to pass the milestone of 50 victories, synonymous with moving up to the professional ranks. “Unlike my brother, I have the advantage of running a mounted trot. It was easier, ”he says.
” It was a dream […] but I thought it would never happen ”
From 2018 to 2019, Mansour, who had just turned professional, worked alongside Charles Cuiller and then decided to stand on his own feet. “It was a dream to settle as a coach, he breathes. But I thought it would never come to pass. “He therefore jumped at the opportunity offered to him by Charles Cuiller:” He offered to rent boxes from him. We are about ten kilometers from Cabourg. The location is ideal, especially to go to the beach with our horses. “
With their heads in the stars, the little family is gradually building up the family stable. And their organization may well be the key to their success. Mansour explains: “My father Nordine is an accountant in life, so manages all this part. He also invests in claimable horses. He has an eye for it. He spots horses and we talk about our feelings. My brother, Ibrahim is based at the Grosbois training center (in Boissy-Saint-Léger, Val-de-Marne), where he takes care of the foals. He qualified all of our 2 years and is doing really well. For my part, I manage the horses ready to run, their commitments. I also enjoy the benefits of the sea. It’s good for their morale. I really specialize in mounted horses because I like it. It is my trademark. “
Frodo Thonic, spearhead of the team
In total, the family team has achieved twelve successes since its inception. An honorable score given their workforce. “We started with three horses, details Mansour. We are at 14 today. Frodo Thonic is the spearhead of the team. I will not hesitate to do kilometers across France this season. I’m counting on him. Geronimo de Busset took gains, and his task is getting more complicated now. My hope for the future is called Imperator Vrie. It hasn’t started yet because I’m preserving it. It will be to follow in the second part of the season. »Determined and motivated as ever, the Krouchi family will try to stand out from this Monday, in Vincennes, with Frodo Thonic who wears the father’s coat, and “shouldn’t be ridiculous.”
Article original de: www.leparisien.fr
