Franck Marty: This is how the master trainer is planning his horse Olympics!

Franck Marty: This is how the master trainer is planning his horse Olympics!

The 7th stage of the Grand National du Trot is coming up in Toulouse, France, on June 17, 2025. The trainer Franck Marty, known for his amateur successes and two-time champion of France, is optimistic about the upcoming race. His remarkable victory four years ago with Fakir Mérité will never be forgotten. Since moving into professional sports in 2017, Marty has run a training facility with around 30 Trotters and shows no signs of tiring. “Being a trainer is a challenge that requires a lot of work,” emphasizes the almost 51-year-old, who gave up his engineering career eight years ago for his passion for horse training. But he hasn't regretted his decision so far, on the contrary - he loves the challenge that every day offers him.

This year Marty has already achieved twelve victories and sees the quality of his horses continuing to improve. He is currently investing in the purchase of land in Fronton to build his own training center, with the aim of creating a high quality and autonomous training environment by the end of 2026. His work is based on a targeted selection and intensive training of his horses, which gives him a good knack for the challenging task of being a trainer. In addition to his work as a trainer, he has also taken on responsibility as Vice President of the Syndicate of Trainers and the Société des Courses de Toulouse.

New coach on the move

While Franck Marty is looking forward to the stage in Toulouse, there is also something going on in Candas in the Somme. Young trainer Alexandre Dubreuil returns to the family farm to breed racehorses and build his own training infrastructure. The plan is to develop a horse training track in the Hameau du Valheureux, for which he is investing an impressive 175,000 euros. Dubreuil, who completed his training at the renowned horse racing school in Gouvieux, now wants to get started.

With the support of Julien Phélippon, an experienced trainer and jockey agent, Dubreuil gets started. He has already set up some boxes in a former barn and is working on a 1 kilometer long sand training ring. He currently has two horses that could start in a month and plans to continue expanding his stables. His goal is to own 20 to 25 horses in order to put together a powerful team.

The path to becoming a trainer

Becoming a trainer is not an easy task in equestrian sport. In Germany, trainers go through a multi-level licensing system that ranges from Trainer C to Trainer A. In order to be successful, they must meet certain requirements that are set out in the training and examination regulations. It is essential to attend a preparatory seminar, which forms the basis for the trainer courses. This structured training, which is also internationally recognized, aims to prepare trainers optimally for their tasks.

Equestrian sport remains an exciting and complex field where both old hands like Franck Marty and new talents like Alexandre Dubreuil find their place. While Marty faces the challenges of professional sport, Dubreuil takes the path to becoming a coach, supported by family and a solid education. Who knows, perhaps in the near future we will see Dubreuil on the same highs as his predecessor, who is racing in Toulouse today.