It seems that Gaëlle Godard has only to stoop to collect the victories. The 23-year-old apprentice goes on to success with insolence. Since his beginnings in competition (in 2013 on the mounted trot and the following year on the harness), his record shows 35 first places. But it is especially since the beginning of June of this year that its results have exploded. In 37 attempts, she won fifteen races and finished on the podium seven times, for a success rate of 59%. Breathtaking.
His explanation for this accelerated march is very pragmatic. “Honestly, at the moment I am riding good horses. Their delay in earnings offers a good margin of progress ”, explains in all modesty the native of Angers (Maine-et-Loire).
"It's like associating the best driver with the best car"
Her arrival in March 2019 in Marc Sassier's stable in Parné-sur-Roc (Mayenne) was the ideal springboard for the young lady trained alongside her father, Jean-Marc Godard, also in the profession. This boss, for whom she now rides very regularly, appreciates the collaboration with her young employee. “Gaëlle has gained self-confidence. Currently, it is the most brilliant in its category ”, recognizes the Mayenne trainer who does not hesitate to make the comparison with motorsport concerning this success. “It's like pairing the best driver with the best car. But caution remains in order for the thirty-two-year-old professional. “Gaëlle must not catch fire. In competition, you have to know how to manage the good and most difficult periods. “In addition to the performances on the Angevine track, Marc Sassier highlights the other skills of his employee within“ a young and dynamic team ”. “She's someone I can lean on. The daily care of my sixty trotters is also his responsibility. »Proof that Gaëlle Godard is as competent in the team as on the track.
A nursing assistant diploma in case ...
Far from being naive, Gaëlle Godard is perfectly aware of the advantages that her status as an apprentice in competition confers on her. “I climb to 57 kg, while the professionals are at 67 kg. This huge difference obviously works in my favor… for now. This is why I do not project myself too much towards the future, but prefer to focus on the present, ”confides the young woman who has been prudent to obtain a nursing assistant diploma. "It's an additional baggage," says the one who has been rocked by the sound of hooves since her childhood. The form helping, Gaëlle Godard could still stand out this Wednesday in Sables-d'Olonne (Vendée). In this PMH meeting (bets on the racetrack or on the internet only), the young woman will be saddled on Edouard in the second race of the program.
