After riding more than 1,800 winners around the world, renowned French jockey-turned-trainer Eric Legrix has embarked on a new chapter in the UAE, and training from his new base in Abu Dhabi.
With a career that has taken him across continents, from Europe to America, Asia and North Africa, the Frenchman is now setting his sights on success in the heart of Arabian racing with the powerhouse, Yas Racing.
A household name in international racing circuits, Legrix retired from riding in 2009 boasting wins across Europe, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. And he almost rode a winner in Dubai too, during the Nad Al Sheba days.
Since those days, he has reinvented himself and transitioned into training, a move that has allowed him to maintain his deep connection with the sport while exploring new challenges. One of the most formative chapters of his post riding life came recently in Morocco, where Legrix completed an eight year tenure as a trainer for one of the largest stables. After enjoying numerous notable victories, his decision to leave Morocco came at a natural crossroads, as ownership of the stable passed to the next generation.
Then, the opportunity to move to the United Arab Emirates presented itself. Legrix shares a longstanding relationship with Gerard Larrieu, General Manager of Yas Horse Racing, dating back to their early years in France. So when the offer came, Legrix accepted without hesitation.
"For a European, training for Sheikh Mansoor is one of the highest honours. It's the biggest Purebred Arabian stable in the world," Legrix said. “The facilities here are excellent, and I’ve been very warmly welcomed.”
Legrix is currently overseeing a string of around 40 horses, some of which have recently arrived from France. He’s based full-time at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club and says he was drawn by the opportunity to start afresh in a region known for its competitive edge and deep heritage in Arabian racing.
"I've always enjoyed the challenge of starting over in a new country," he said. "It’s not about being dissatisfied with the past, it’s about wanting to learn more, to see more, and to prove yourself again."
Having already trained three winners this season, Legrix has seemingly hit the ground running. Though he humbly avoids revealing specific ambitions, Legrix admits he’s set personal goals for his first season in the UAE. “I don’t expect to be leading trainer right away, that would be arrogant, but I’ve set targets and I’m working hard to reach them.”
While Legrix’s riding career was dominated by thoroughbred racing, including memorable wins like the 1991 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs and a sentimental victory in the French Oaks (Prix de Diane) with Caerlina, his training career has brought him closer to Arabian horses, a shift he has embraced with enthusiasm. “My Dad was a trainer and so was my Uncle and he raced a lot of Arabians. So I knew them very well”.
Still riding out in the mornings himself, Legrix is also joined by his son, Samuel on the training track, who is a part of the team in Abu Dhabi. A licensed apprentice jockey, with a 3kg claim, he is taking freelance rides during the season, enjoying the flexibility to ride for other trainers as well. Having ridden placegetters so far, the win is knocking on the door. “He’s got good experience, especially with Arabians, having ridden in Qatar,” Legrix noted. “And in France he was working for Andre Fabre”.
While he reflects fondly on his international racing career, Legrix remains firmly focused on the present and future. “To be working in the Emirates is something to be proud of. The level of competition is high, but that's what makes it exciting.”