Irrespective of your global location, enthusiasts of horse racing ought to become acquainted with the individual Francis-Henri Graffard.
The French trainer, aged 48, is concluding an exceptional year in 2025, which was flawlessly capped on January 20 when Calandagan received the prestigious Longines World’s Best Racehorse accolade. Moreover, he was the sole trainer to have two equine representatives within the award’s top nine, as Daryz, victor of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, secured a shared seventh position.
Such a prominent standing on the global ranking system should not be a surprise for a trainer whose passion for — and assurance in pursuing — international competition was nurtured through Godolphin’s Flying Start initiative.
“The Flying Start program introduced me to equestrian events globally; significant gatherings, influential individuals,” the 2005 alumnus of Flying Start commented on the January 26 broadcast of the BloodHorse Monday podcast. “As a trainer, I never felt apprehensive about entering a horse in a Group 1 or Group 2 contest because I had prior exposure and had stood on the winners’ rostrum in a different capacity. I firmly believe that all that previous exposure — particularly the international exposure — greatly assisted me in the progression of my professional journey.”
Graffard perfectly demonstrated that self-assurance in 2025, establishing an unprecedented single-season benchmark for a French trainer with 14 Grade/Group 1 triumphs. While safeguarding his domestic advantage with nine Group 1 wins in France — highlighted by Daryz’s Arc victory — Graffard additionally achieved premier-level successes in Germany, England, and Japan — where he guided Calandagan to become the first non-native winner of the Japan Cup in two decades.
Nevertheless, a significant peak of his season occurred on November 1 at Del Mar when Graffard achieved his initial Grade 1 victory in the United States, as well as his inaugural success in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, with Gezora in the Maker’s Mark Filly and Mare Turf event.
Graffard lauded the ambiance surrounding the Breeders’ Cup and noted its occurrence at an ideal time of year, coinciding with European trainers typically winding down their competitive seasons.
“The Breeders’ Cup organization performs an outstanding role in making it a grand, distinctive occasion,” Graffard stated. “I intend to target all of those [Breeders’ Cup competitions], rest assured.”
Graffard’s involvement in American racing extends beyond merely seeking additional championship victories at the Breeders’ Cup. Elite jockey Ryan Moore ignited a keen interest in the Kentucky Derby for the trainer during a December discussion held in Hong Kong. While offering congratulations to Graffard on his Japan Cup accomplishment, Moore conveyed to him that the two most challenging races to conquer are the Japan Cup and the Kentucky Derby.
“I will now also be searching for dirt racing prospects, and hopefully, I can ultimately claim victory in the ‘ultimate prize’ one day,” Graffard remarked. “Therefore, prepare for our arrival.”
Graffard also voiced an ambition to maintain a contingent of horses in America throughout the warmer months, aiming for contests at venues such as Saratoga Race Course and Kentucky Downs. Indeed, Graffard mentioned his intention to begin acquiring Kentucky-bred horses specifically with Kentucky Downs in mind. Already boasting one of America’s most lucrative racing festivals, Kentucky-breds vie for additional incentives at Kentucky Downs — and at the other four tracks within the commonwealth — through the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
“I hold American racing in high regard, and I believe there are ample prospects, particularly on turf,” Graffard affirmed. “I require some time to establish my arrangements, but I consistently contemplate [having] a collection of horses housed in a stable there to compete during the Saratoga meeting. That should represent my aspiration and my objective, considering I operate a sizable stable.”
