Amelie Lemercier of Haras de Bouquetot on life at the outstanding Normandy farm

Godolphin Flying Start graduate Amelie Lemercier is part of the Haras de Bouquetot team, working in a multi-faceted role. Previously marketing assistant for the Aga Khan's Studs, she has gained international experience working for the likes of the Wertheimer brothers, Coolmore, Primus, Graham Motion and Elite Sales in the US, and Newgate and Star Thoroughbreds in Australia

Can you tell us about your background?

I grew up in the harness racing industry as my father was a trainer. From 18, while studying business at university, I started to work within the thoroughbred industry on the breeding operation of the Wertheimer brothers. As soon as I graduated I went on working for other operations abroad, the likes of Coolmore and Windsor Park Stud. Then I joined the Aga Khan Studs team as a marketing assistant and stayed there for four years. From 2018 to 2020 I did the Godolphin Flying Start course, during which I worked for Graham Motion and Elite Sales in the US, and Newgate and Star Thoroughbreds in Australia.

You have worked at a wide range of bloodstock operations around the world. What did you learn in each of them?

I've enjoyed great experiences around the world through Flying Start and on my own, working for successful breeders, trainers, stallions farm, etc and a common learning outcome from those places is probably the fact that everyone can make anything happen; I've met many entrepreneurs who started from scratch who became renowned industry professionals, and their stories are very inspiring. They obviously worked very hard but the fear of failure never stopped them, and by never giving up after disappointments they ended up achieving what they always wanted. To me, those people are role models to the younger generation.

Can you tell us more about what you're doing in your new role at Haras de Bouquetot?

My role is very versatile. I'm involved in nominations, client relations, marketing, as well as business development and bloodstock. The dynamic and young team in place is very open-minded and there's a lot of room for creativity and new initiatives within the operation, which is the ideal working environment for me.

Haras de Bouquetot is one of the leading stud farms in NormandyCredit: Zuzanna Lupa Photography

Who has been your biggest influence in your time in racing?

I've met many mentors along the way so it's very difficult to pick one, but if I have to choose it has to be Pierre-Yves Bureau, manager of the Wertheimer & Frere operation, who gave me my first job in horseracing. My time on this farm as a groom was an incredible experience, from a horse management point of view, as well as human point of view. I knew nothing when I started and, when I look back today, am convinced Pierre-Yves and his team played a major role in a lot of the good things that happened to me afterwards. My mentors and friends are a huge part of my life, sometimes they believe in you more than you do yourself, and this is priceless to make you push your own boundaries. Nobody should neglect the power of influence and mentoring, it can have a huge impact on people’s lives.

What advice would you give a young person wanting to work in the sport?

To get as much experience as possible in every sector of the sport, breeding, training, bloodstock, get out of your comfort zone because every piece of the industry is linked and there's so much to learn. Even if you’re unsure whether you have the ability or not, you might surprise yourself. Finally, travel, observe, ask questions, be willing to learn, surround yourself with the right people and never go against your gut feeling.

You are involved in a French retraining of racehorses charity - how did that come about and what does it involve?

Au-Dela Des Pistes was created in 2016, following an ambitious idea launched by Lisa-Jane Graffard, of Godolphin, and Nemone Routh, of the Aga Khan Studs. I'd wanted to be involved in a charity for a long time but never really had a chance to do so. I probably offered my help at the right time back then and ended up in the team, it was a very good opportunity for me. Being part, from the beginning, of a brand-new organisation was a great learning experience, and to see what it became and what it has achieved already is awesome. Now I'm involved in the main meetings and a few missions, but I try to help whenever I can. We recently set up the implementation of a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe pledge in collaboration with France Galop, like what New Vocations does in America with the Breeders' Cup. I believe that horse welfare and retraining of racehorses is crucial for our sport and am very glad to be involved with such a dedicated team.

How has the coronavirus crisis and lockdown affected you and your move to work at the stud?

Covid-19 certainly affected the end of the Flying Start course. We had to finish the course remotely which, thanks to a great management team and teachers, worked out perfectly. During the lockdown I was still undecided whether I should spend more time in Australia/America or get back to France after graduation. The travel restrictions made me do my final externship with the team at Bouquetot and the opportunity of a job kind of built itself during my time there. This externship was very positive as the team welcomed me so warmly and together we shaped my role regarding the company needs and my wishes.

Shalaa: Amelie Lemercier is a big fan of the Haras de Bouquetot stallionCredit: Asuncion Pineyrua and Al Shaqab Racing

Bouquetot is home to some top stallions and has bred some fine horses. Are there any that everyone is excited about at the moment?

I have always been a huge fan of Shalaa since I saw him win the Morny at Deauville few years ago; the entire team is obviously very hopeful for him as a stallion and the fact he has already produced three stakes performers and 13 winners, including Classic prospects, is a good sign for the future. Our younger Group 1-winning stallions Zelzal, Al Wukair, Ectot, Brametot and Galileo Gold have their first yearlings this year and we're very pleased with the progeny we've seen so far. Bouquetot has bred and raised some class horses. This weekend Toro Strike (Toronado), Group-placed over the summer, should be an interesting contender in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret, while our French Listed scorer and Group-placed Mashael (Dubawi) lines up in the Group 1 Prix de Royallieu.

Haras de Bouquetot's famous resident Treve enjoys a stretchCredit: Frank Sorge

And how is Treve? It must be a privilege to have her on the farm?

She's doing great, she's foaled a lovely filly by Sea The Stars this year and both are in great form. It is indeed a privilege to have her on the farm, as it is the dozens of top-class mares at Bouquetot. Racing excellence is what most of us are looking for in this industry so it's a personal privilege to be with such an outstanding breeding operation.

Bloodstock news:

'She was always a keeper' - Alcohol Free proving a fine rare purchase for Smith

Arc contender Persian King recruited to Haras d'Etreham roster for 2021

Goffs creates new National Hunt sale for November 6