🔥 Marie Vélon: A Historic Victory That Shakes Up the Codes of the French Horse Racing World

Paris, France – In a horse racing world still largely dominated by men, one woman has shaken the foundations of a centuries-old system. Marie Vélon, a talented young French jockey, has won a historic victory in the prestigious Prix Royal-Oak at ParisLongchamp racecourse. This Group I race, renowned for its difficulty and prestige, has now become the scene of a major turning point in the history of French equestrian sport.

” They told me I was just a girl, that I couldn’t win ,” Vélon said, tears in her eyes, after crossing the finish line. ” But today, I’m proud to prove them wrong .” Her statement sparked a wave of emotion and support on social media, reaching far beyond the exclusive circle of racegoers.

Marie Vélon is no stranger to the horse racing world. Since her debut, she has fought against stereotypes and doubts to establish herself in a world often reserved for men. But this victory at the Prix Royal-Oak marks a highlight of her career—and a historic moment for all female jockeys.

The horse she was riding, Soleil d’Automne , a four-year-old thoroughbred, was considered an outsider before the start. But thanks to a perfectly executed race strategy and unwavering determination, Vélon was able to impose her pace and create a surprise. At the finish, an incredulous silence preceded an explosion of applause in the stands.

The reactions were swift. Several big names in French horse racing praised her performance. Legendary trainer Jean-Claude Rouget said: ” What she did today is monumental. It’s not just a victory, it’s a symbol .” Other, more conservative voices, however, remain skeptical, stressing that ” it’s just a race ,” downplaying the historic impact of the moment.

But for many observers, this victory goes beyond the purely sporting sphere. It has become a symbol of a cultural shift: the gradual opening of an elitist sport to greater diversity, both in terms of gender and profiles. Jockey schools in France are already reporting an increase in female enrollments in recent months—a Vélon effect, no doubt.

Marie Vélon now goes down in history not only as a victorious rider, but as a controversial and inspiring icon , at the heart of a wider debate on equal opportunities in French sport.

One thing is certain: the 2025 Royal Oak Prize will go down in history, and Marie Vélon’s name will be engraved in gold letters.