When his father bought his first horse, Pierre-Jean Sabathier, at the age of 7, did not know that he would find himself several years later in England, near Cheltenham, to see the best British riders in jumping.
This French horse breeder, in Pessan (Gers), has gotten into the habit of crossing the Channel to attend the festival.
And it's not going to stop any time soon.
Where does this passion for horses come from?
PIERRE-JEAN SABATHIER.
My dad trained a trotter when I was young, and in the early 2000s we got our first galloper.
Her name was Shinobie.
I became a breeder because it was obvious to me to perpetuate the values and knowledge that my father gave me.
I deeply love horses thanks to my dad.
I had a great moment when Kelthomas won the President of the Republic Prize in 2016. Shinobie, our first mare, is Kelthomas' grandmother.
I am 54 years old and I have bred around a hundred thoroughbreds and around fifty trotters.
Breeding a horse and seeing it win at the highest level is why I get up in the morning.
Why come to Cheltenham?
For pleasure.
It’s an incredible week to experience for those who love horses.
I have been coming here for twelve years.
I am also proud to have had a starter during the Festival: Nadiya de la Vega.
She wore the coat of JP McManus, who is the biggest owner across the Channel.
Currently, she is a broodmare at her stud.
For a small breeder like me, this is extraordinary.
Also read: Extraordinary spectacle, unique atmosphere… The Cheltenham festival will ignite the racing world
“We wait for this moment all year”
What are you looking for here?
The atmosphere.
You can't find it anywhere else.
I often go to Pau or to the racecourses in the South-West, and even if the public is there, it has nothing to do with Cheltenham.
The races continue at the Cheltenham racecourse.
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Is there a difference between the French punter and the British punter?
The Briton really knows racing, you could say it’s in his genes.
In France, it is a more closed environment than in England.
We have to take people by the hand to show them that races exist and that they are beautiful.
The English, through family transmission or curiosity, are more passionate and respectful of the animal.
We must differentiate the game from sport.
The English know how to do it, and it’s beautiful to see.
Will you be there next year?
Obviously, and the year after!
I wouldn't miss this week for anything.
I come with friends, and we wait for this moment all year.
That's my definition of fun!