Breeding & Racing Magazine

Horse's Bite Worse Than His Bark

Odd-Spot: Just when he thought it was safe to enjoy an exhibition gallop (cue Jaws music), shortly after riding trainer Andre Fabre’s exciting Godolphin 3YO colt Earthlight down the straight at Saint-Cloud in France, jockey Mickael Barzalona incurred the displeasure of the partnering horse. The nameless horse stretched his neck out towards Earthlight as the two runners stood side-by-side, and grabbed hold of Barzalona’s leg and upper part of his boot – forcing the jockey to quickly dismount in obvious pain. Fortunately, the hoop realised the importance of holding on to valuable Earthlight even if it meant hobbling and hopping through the discomfort. It came as little surprise that after riding in the Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, where his mount Old Persian finished last, Barzalona was stood down the for the remainder of the card.