Hippisme: Nicolas Lefebvre honored with the Solidarity Prize

It is a long awaited moment in the middle of the Gallop.

The jury for the Trophies for Racing and Breeding Personnel, an event organized by Godolphin and France Galop, delivered its verdict for each of the seven categories.

But without fanfare this year due to health restrictions.

This edition, which usually takes place during a prestigious evening at the ParisLongchamp racecourse, used videos posted on social networks to reveal the names of the winners.

The process does not detract from the value of the rewards given to these dedicated men and women without whom the equestrian world could not function.

"It's a nice surprise"

This 5th edition, however, and for the first time highlighted the spirit of mutual aid and generosity with the creation of the Solidarity Prize.

A title for the occasion.

Nicolas Lefebvre is the first to be rewarded in this category.

"It's a nice surprise, already to be selected, then to find yourself in the trio before finishing at the top of the list", confides the volunteer for 6 years at the Craon racing society (Mayenne).

Passionate since his earliest childhood, he dreamed of becoming a jockey, “but for my parents it was not a suitable profession.

"

It is therefore to his four children that he transmitted this love which animates him, in particular to his two sons including Clément, Silver Whip of the Obstacle last year and well armed this year to do as well or even much better, and Fabien, also a professional flat jockey.

Almost 61 years old and retired from the industry for two months, the native of Craon confides that he got closer to this animal, which he esteems and respects, very late.

“When I was 30, I started cross country, I was called crazy but I wanted to know what it was to ride a horse.

I have also taken part in horse-drawn carriage competitions.

"

"I go regularly to Louisa Carberry"

It is since this year, once released from his professional obligations, after 37 years of career, that Nicolas Lefebvre has really invested in the functioning of the company of Craon.

"It is our pillar" recognizes Hugues Crosnier, president of the site.

Today responsible for the maintenance team of the racetrack, Craonnais, does not count his hours.

“I ensure the smooth running of our ten meetings, including the two big three-day weekends in September during our annual meeting.

I also manage the condition of the ground the days preceding these meetings.

"

The father of the gifted jumper has another arrow on his bow.

He is also secretary general of the National Association of Ponies.

This responsibility is close to his heart, “our goal is to introduce the youngest to the world of racing with these mini-horses.

For next year, we have set up a competition program throughout France and in the three gaits, trot, flat and obstacle ”, he rejoices in advance.

And when he has a little time left, Nicolas Lefebvre does not miss any opportunity to get in the saddle.

"I go up fairly regularly to Louisa Carberry, the woman trainer who won the Grand Steeple de Paris and the Prix de La Haye Jousselin this year with

", boasts the volunteer.

Here is a magnificent revenge for the one who has never been able to reach the profession of jockey with this course, admittedly late, but crowned with the Trophée de la Solidarité.

An evidence.

The other six winners 2,020

Leadership category

: Cédric Lavigne, assistant trainer at François Nicolle in Charente-Maritime.

Category For the Administrative staff category

: Audrey Groualle, secretary at the trainer François-Henri Devin

Stud staff category

: Anne-Lise René, head of breeding at Haras de la Motteraye in Calvados.

Dedication category for the races

: Pierre Patrac, traveling boy at the Jean-Claude Séroul stable in the Bouches-du-Rhône

Young hope category

: Clémentine Lhomme, employed by Patrick Chedeville at Haras du Petit Tellier in Orne.

Stable staff category

: Cécile Fuchs, training rider and care manager at the Gabriel Leenders stable in Maine-et-Loire.