The new master of Jebel Ali Stables and Racecourse, Nicholas Bachalard has spent years learning the trade under his mentor Christophe Clement. He then went on to find unparalleled success on his own.
He is a force at Jebel Ali, who has been slowly turning the wheels this season, committed to the task of taking Jebel Ali Stables to new heights.
Bachalard has a keen sense of humor and a crisp outlook towards getting to his goals and exceeding them. Ten Furlongs got to speak with the man himself and here is what he had to say:
Q: What does winning in Dubai after working for so many years in the GCC mean to you?
A: Winning is everything especially in the GCC where competition is mostly among Royals. It brings bragging rights to them and pride & joy to the locals that can beat them.
Q: How did you get involved with horses and racehorse training?
A: By default actually as my family was not involved in the industry. I worked on breeding farms for the first few years until I was given the opportunity to join Christophe Clement in America whom I stayed with as an assistant for 17 years. Having had the chance to meet Frank Mc Govern who gave me my first opportunity to train in Saudi Arabia for the stable of the late King Abdullah and Mohammad Al Shahi for allowing me to join Jebel Ali.
Q: What do you enjoy about your role at Jebel Ali Stables and Racecourse?
A: The opportunity to work for HRH Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum. The privilege of being involved in what I think is one of Dubai's hidden jewels where we are surrounded by nature only minutes away from the city.
Q: Who are your racing stars this year? And what are your plans to grow the racing stable over the next few years?
A: Draco started the year on a good note for us. Forjatt has lived up to his reputation and won in Abu Dhabi he has been the back bone of the stable over the last few years he most probably will retire at the end of the season. It has been an uphill battle and trust me the hill at Jebel Ali is steep but nothing comes easy in life, however with work and dedication hopefully the wheel will turn. Adding a few American bred horses and concentrate on dirt racing is a priority, grass racing is very competitive in Dubai with few opportunities.
Q: Who are your racing leadership heros?
A: Andre Fabre, Francois Boutin, D. Wayne Lukas, Bobby Frankel amongst a few and of course Christophe Clement
Q: What was the first leadership lesson you learnt in racing?
A: Patience and plenty of it.
Q: How valuable do you think trust, teamwork and respect are for you as a trainer?
A: Those are absolutely paramount and essential to any successful operation.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
A: My Alarm clock it has been by my side for the last 30 years and has rarely let me down.
Q: What challenges do you face in your role.
A: There are always challenges in our roles, however I prefer to view them as opportunities for growth and development. I try not to focus on them in a negative way.
Q: Who is your favourite racehorse of all time and why?
A: Horses are incredible athletes it is hard to single one out but I will always remember Arazi winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile. Others that I was very privileged to work alongside, that some might not know Ron The Greek, Nashmia, Kaflah, In Summation, Vacare amongst a few.
Q: What would you like to achieve in the next five years?
A: Bring back the yellow and black colors on World Cup night and without being too greedy winning the World Cup that would be the icing on the cake.
Published In Dubai World Cup Gold Souvenir 2019
Click To view the complete The Tenfurlongs Library - http://tenfurlongs.secretariatsworld.com/
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com
