💥 Betrayed by Her Own Entourage? Marie Vélon Recounts Her Ordeal in Vichy – “They Turned Their Backs on Me for Money”

It was supposed to be a weekend of calm, recovery, and routine racing at the picturesque Vichy racecourse. But what unfolded for jockey Marie Vélon turned into something far darker—a bitter tale of betrayal, isolation, and professional sabotage that has left the French racing community stunned.

Marie Vélon, one of France’s most promising and respected female jockeys, has never been one to shy away from hard truths. But when she spoke candidly after the final race on Saturday, July 20, the atmosphere shifted instantly. What she revealed wasn’t about the form of her mount, a tactical error, or even the going. No, this was a personal storm—one that had been brewing in silence for weeks.

“They turned their backs on me for money,” she said, her voice steady but laced with pain. “People I trusted. People who said they were with me—my own entourage. When things got tough, when money and pressure came into the picture, I was no longer part of the plan.”

Insiders at the Vichy meeting reported visible tension behind the scenes throughout the day. Vélon, who has ridden for several top trainers and is known for her tactical intelligence, was reportedly left off multiple key rides in favor of less-experienced male jockeys. One of those rides, according to a source close to the stables, was promised to her just a week earlier.

Rumors began to swirl as several owners opted for abrupt rider changes, citing “strategic decisions” that appeared more financially motivated than performance-based. One respected turf journalist noted that the last-minute switches “reeked of politics” and called it “an ugly look for a sport already under scrutiny for gender bias.”

Vélon’s public statement added fuel to the fire. Her calm but devastating words sent shockwaves through the French racing press and social media. Fans quickly rallied behind her, with hashtags like #StandWithVelon and #NotJustABusiness trending by the next morning.

“It’s not just about me,” she continued. “It’s about a system that lets loyalty be bought and sold. I can handle losing a ride. But losing trust? That’s something else entirely.”

While no individuals were named directly in her statement, many are now speculating about members within her team—managers, trainers, even longtime stable allies—who may have made decisions that prioritized personal gain over partnership.

This isn’t the first time jockeys have spoken out about internal power games in the sport, but it is rare for someone of Vélon’s stature to speak so plainly and so emotionally. Her words strike a nerve, not just for what they reveal, but for how common such experiences may be behind the silks and saddles.

Since the interview, French racing authorities have declined to comment, and most trainers involved have remained silent. But one senior owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked: “Marie is brave. She’s saying what others whisper. If we don’t fix this, we risk losing more than just races—we lose people.”

As the dust settles in Vichy, questions remain. Will Marie Vélon find a new team she can truly trust? Will the racing industry reckon with its deeper issues? And how many other riders—especially women—carry similar scars, quietly bearing the burden of betrayal for the sake of their careers?

One thing is clear: Marie Vélon didn’t just ride horses in Vichy. She rode straight through the silence—and the echoes are only just beginning.