Born in Chantilly in July 1973, Yan
Durepaire's racing cv reads like the honours list at the Oscars. It is very
rare for someone
relatively
so young to have gained so much experience in the heart of the world's top
racing establishments. His exposure to the world's top trainers, racehorses,
race tracks, studs and training methods is unrivalled and lucky are the
owners who entrust their horses with him.
In mid 2005, Yan spotted an opportunity to branch out on his own with
the re-opening of Spain's premier racetrack, the Hipodromo de La
Zarzuela, in Madrid. His commitment to the move is evident by the fact
that his wife and 2 young kids have settled in Madrid with him. Being
fluent in French, Spanish and English also helps and rare is a
conversation where the very bright and affable Yan doesn't speak to you
in all 3 in the space of a minute !
His father was head lad to the almighty
Francois Boutin for 32 years. In that time and up to his late
teens, Yan was exposed to and witnessed, on a daily basis, the cream of
some of the top French racehorses. Yan saw these "cracks" progress under
the tutelage and training methods of the great Boutin. Horses that just
by themselves would fit in anyone's top 10 best racehorses.....Arazi,
Miesque, Hector Protector, Northern Trick, East of the Moon, Priolo,
Kingmambo, Coup de Genie, Hernando, Machiavellian, Exit to Nowhere,
Lacovia, Madeleine's Dream, Blushing John and Johan Quatz.
Whilst still at school, Yan gained invaluable experience in the summer
holidays working for Boutin, Jean-Claude Rouget and at
the Niarchos family stud, Haras de Fresnay le Buffard.
Having graduated in Accounting and Commerce he joined Nicolas
Clement as pupil assistant in Chantilly between 1991-1992.
Whilst there he struck a very close relationship with his favourite
jockey, Olivier Peslier and the two remain very good
family freinds.
He then decided to widen his up-to-now French racing experience by
working as the Barn Foreman in 1992/93 for Taylor Made Farms
in Kentucky. Here he was responsible for 25 mares in
foal, working and representing the farm at the Keeneland sales along
with breaking and exercising yearlings using the Monty Roberts
techniques.
In 1993, he moved back to Europe and spent 2 years as pupil assistant to
Luca Cumani in Newmarket. Here he worked with great
horses such as Breeders' Cup mile winner, Barathea
along with Only Royale, Mons, Poteen and Smart
Alec. He helped with after-training and racing treatments,
assisted the travelling head lad at the races, engaged with Cumani's
owners and exercised the horses.