💥 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 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 frankly after the final race on Saturday, July 20, the mood instantly changed. What she revealed wasn’t about her mount’s form, a tactical error, or even the proceedings. No, it was a personal storm—one that had been silently brewing for weeks.

“They turned their backs on me for money,” she said, her voice steady but holding back the pain. “People I trusted. People who said they were with me—my entourage. When things got tough, when money and pressure came into play, 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 passed over for several key rides in favor of less experienced male jockeys. One of these rides, according to a source close to the stables, was promised to her a week earlier.

Rumors began swirling as several owners opted for abrupt rider changes, citing “strategic decisions” that appeared more financially motivated than performance-based. One respected turf journalist noted the last-minute changes were “shaking politics” and called it “an ugly blow to 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 for me,” she continued. “This is a system that builds loyalty and sales. I can handle the loss of rides. But losing trust? That’s something else.”

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

This isn’t the first time jockeys have spoken about the inner workings of energy in the sport, but it’s rare for someone of Vélon’s stature to speak so clearly and emotionally. His words strike a nerve, not only for what they reveal, but also for how common such experiences can be behind the silks and saddles.

Since the interview, French racing authorities have declined to comment, and most of the trainers involved have remained silent. But one senior owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked: “Marie is brave. She says what others whisper. If we don’t fix this, we risk losing more than just races—we’re losing 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—bear similar scars, quietly carrying the burden of betrayal for the sake of their careers?

One thing is clear: Marie Vélon didn’t just ride a horse to Vichy. She rode directly into the silence – and the echoes are only just beginning.