DURING the first 100 years of modern racing history in France, from the 1830s to the 1930s, the overwhelming majority of trainers, jockeys and stable staff came from England. But gradually, English influence on French racing declined… to the point of almost disappearing altogether. In Chantilly, the sole remaining English flat trainer is Amy Murphy.

Today, the growing influence of the Irish on the French racing industry is becoming increasingly apparent. In 2025, Brian Acheson secured a significant share in leading French commercial stud Écurie des Monceaux. But this “Irishfication” is particularly visible in the training ranks.