And in the end, Éric Raffin wins again! For the fourth year in a row, the 41-year-old Vendéen has won the Sulky d’or, rewarding the driver who has won the most races in France. The one who signed 258 harnessed trotting victories in 2022 looks back on this difficult season and talks about the one to come, with a participation in the next Prix d’Amérique with Horsy Dream.
What flavor does this fourth Golden Sulky have?
Eric Raffin. It was difficult to win because we had to fight. This one was not effortless (He pauses). Anyway, a gold Sulky cannot be won without getting hurt. I had to cover a lot of kilometers to get there, more than 100,000… I also went to new racecourses: Plestin-les-Grèves (Côtes-d’Armor), the new Langon track (Gironde) , Grenade-sur-Garonne (Haute-Garonne), Granville (Manche)…
Blame it on Alexandre Abrivard, your runner-up, who put a lot of pressure on you…
In July, I really thought it was screwed. But I didn’t want to “go to bed”. Fortunately, I had a very good period in September and October when Alexandre was no longer as efficient. It was the turning point of the year.
A fifth coronation in 2023?
In recent weeks, there have been some hard knocks. In the space of eight days, I lost my friend Franck Anne (coach) and one of my uncles. It makes a lot of perspective and reflection. I’m going to try to take my mind off my results less. But rest assured, I will continue to practice my profession as usual. You will see me every day at the racetracks, and I will try to win as many races as possible while respecting the horses, the trainers, the lads, and the bettors. The competition is getting tougher and tougher, and if you have to make some sacrifices to win, I will obviously make them.
For four years, you have spared no effort. How do your loved ones experience it?
My wife is from the seraglio so she understands the constraints. She remains my first supporter and fortunately (laughs). I am lucky that my family life is not affected. The fact of not being a coach allows me to have some free time for my children and my loved ones.
This year, you will be at the start of the Prix d’Amérique with Horsy Dream. Is it a relief?
Last year, I took a good slap with the Face Time Bourbon pass a few days before the race. Just thinking about it, it makes the balls go crazy (sic). I said to myself that I had been lucky to be seated behind such a horse but that I was not cut out to win the Prix d’Amérique. I can guarantee you that it is difficult to digest. With Horsy Dream, I have a real chance in America.
