“I was born in Lorraine, in North East France, into a family of thoroughbred breeders. My family bred horses to run on the flat as well as over jumps and this fed my enthusiasm and love for the sport. I have happily and passionately spent my whole life surrounded by racehorses, with the early aspiration of becoming a racehorse trainer from the age of 7. My parents were well-acquainted with former French jump champion trainer Jean Paul Gallorini and, after several stints at his yard during my school holidays, I knew the rest of my life would be dedicated to training horses.
After completing my studies at university, I was given the amazing opportunity to broaden my knowledge and start my professional career in racing by becoming assistant trainer to leading racehorse trainer Christiane Head-Maarek in Chantilly, France. After two and a half years of service at Christiane Head-Maarek’s yard, and with a few Group 1 victories under my belt (American Post, Dedication, Etoile Montante), I was head-hunted by US Hall of Fame racehorse trainer Richard Mandella to become his right hand man. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity so I decided to grasp it with both hands and emigrated to California. My horsemanship skills expanded greatly during my stint working alongside Richard and my experience of American racing gave me the benefit of having an international insight to the business. I have had the chance to work with superstars such as Rock Hard Ten, The Tin Man and Pleasantly Perfect who became notorious both in the USA and in Dubai.
Following 18 months in America I decided to move to the UK because, to me, it is the greatest horse racing nation in the world. England has always been where I wanted to develop my career as a racehorse trainer and I was fortunate to secure a position as assistant racehorse trainer to John Dunlop OBE in Arundel, West Sussex – where history meets prestige and excellence. I spent a fascinating and enriching time in Arundel and became the last assistant trainer at Castle Stables before John Dunlop hung up his boots at the autumn of his long and marvellous career.
Now, as a racehorse trainer in my own right, it is an honour and a privilege to be based at the exquisite Coombelands training stables in Pulborough, West Sussex, just down the road from Arundel, with fantastic facilities set in a picturesque location, and close to many of the best tracks in the UK.”
For all enquiries, please contact racehorse trainer David Menuisier on 07876 674095
