CHANTILLY on the day of the Prix de Diane meeting is a unique spectacle in the racing world and a wonderful experience for any young jockey to be a part of. It is also a place that should remain long in the memory for Conor McGovern.

The Clones native, who graduated from RACE three years ago, won the prestigious Prix Longines Future Racing Stars, an event that brings together apprentices from the racing schools in ten countries worldwide.

Conor became the second Irish jockey in three years to win the competition (for which there is a draw for horses) when he confidently brought home the Irish-bred Fawley to score by a length from the fast-finishing Moroccan and Japanese riders.

His prizes included a trophy and a Longines watch and a lot of media attention in front of a large crowd on a high-profile classic race day.

The race day itself was the culmination of a few days of activities organised for participants by the sponsors and France Galop. The event is designed to broaden the horizons of young riders and give them an opportunity to experience another culture, interact with their peers from other countries and develop their professional experience.

They rode out with local trainers (Andre Fabre in the case of the Irish representative), made new friends from other parts of the world and tasted something of the French way of life. It’s another formative experience in their young careers and hopefully one they will capitalise upon. With opportunities so restricted within the apprentice ranks this type of event offers a brief glimpse of life at the top level and can hopefully act as a good motivational tool for any young riders with ambition.