“My car has always returned to Maisons-Laffitte (Yvelines), but that's it,” says Alain Bonin.
On this Monday morning, his vehicle gradually took him away from there.
At 65, the coach decided to change the framework.
From now on, it will be on the training center of Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) that he will prepare his gallopers, leaving behind him fifty years of his life.
As the professional travels the 800 km or so which separate him from his new destination, he takes the opportunity to take a look in the rearview mirror.
“It was at Maisons-Laffitte that I started as an apprentice with René Souchay (few people can remember him), before settling there as a trainer.
A great adventure that lasted thirty-three years.
I sincerely thought of ending my career there, ”he reminds us.
"I lived the long descent into hell of the site (of Maisons-Laffitte)"
But the more than gloomy future of the city of the horse, following the closure of the racecourse last year, followed by the deterioration of working conditions at the Yvelines training center have been right on its promise.
“I could well have chosen Deauville (Calvados) since I have a house there.
An opportunity presented itself in the South-West and, in two months, my choice was made.
"
Some accuse him of leaving the sinking ship.
"But I'm not the captain," he retorts.
I was told I was spitting in the soup.
I believe that my experience legitimizes my point of view.
“Especially the one concerning the new training tracks created by France Galop.
“They don't suit me at all.
Much too deep, they damage the legs of the horses ", declares the professional very pessimistic about the future of his now old playground." I lived the long descent into hell of the site and, month after month, I have could see the deterioration of our tool.
It was time to react.
"
"I intend to end my career nicely"
It is therefore "the flower with the gun" that Alain Bonin launches towards a more sunny horizon after having lightened a good part of his workforce.
“I only kept a dozen horses.
My staff are following me, and once there, I will hire one more person.
These ambitions are not, however, excessive.
“I don't plan on expanding.
I intend to end my career nicely, ”continues the one who could claim his retirement.
“It's my horses that are holding me back.
They give me such adrenaline.
"
In Pau, around thirty boxes and a small adjoining house await him, but it is especially his daughter that he will join.
“I'm going to find Caroline.
She has lived in the region for seven years and, for one year, we have been practicing the same profession.
I count on her to integrate me while I will support her in her career ”.
An exchange of good practices that can not wait to live the man who left the ParisLongchamp racetrack last Sunday with honors.
Fiamelca Doloise
, the 4 year old mare of which he is also the owner, gave him the dream outing.
"This last success on the eve of leaving, and moreover with Stéphane Pasquier, fills me with joy," he said.
you won't see me again anytime soon in the Paris region, given the distance that will separate me from the capital.
Or else, I shouldn't have the wrong target.
"A success with a particular flavor that the jockey wished to share on his Twitter account," What an emotion at the passage of the post ", while Caroline sent her father a tender" see you tomorrow dad ".
The welcome of the newcomer to Pau is expected to be very warm.
"Pau, human capital" we read on the official website of the town whose heart of the mayor, François Bayrou, also beats for the horse thing.
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Warm exchange between Alain Bonin and Stéphane Pasquier
What emotion when crossing the post!
Thank you Fiamelca Doloise 🤩 (👤 A. Bonin) -> winner @paris_longchamp 🥇 pic.twitter.com/vwyyVHvaG6
- Pasquier Stéphane (@ pasquito60) October 25, 2020