Prix ​​de l'Arc de Triomphe: pushers and pullers, the essentials for the start

The light is very rarely on them, even if they are major players in the progress of the races.

As this Sunday, October 2 (4:05 p.m.) sets off on the Paris track (Longchamp, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the pushers and pullers, at the head of the horse, are those who allow thoroughbreds to return to their starting stalls. "We may be strong, the horses are stronger than us", immediately warns Stéphane Alcade, 49 years old and one of the impressive pushers.However, we no longer count the times when these men with the physique of rugby players managed to bring in recalcitrant competitors. "We are a trio: the two pushers and the puller. We have to work together and in confidence to manage to get the horse in. Without one of the three elements, it impossible to get there," says the 140 kg guy.

Subscribe to read more

Already subscribed?

To log in