Antoine Griezmann, a French soccer star and World Cup winner, has ventured into horse racing, owning and breeding horses. Griezmann’s first runner in the UK, Hooking, is set to compete at Newcastle on Good Friday. Hooking, a successful horse with 11 race wins under his belt, will be running in a handicap race over 10 furlongs, trained by Philippe Decouz. The decision to race Hooking at Newcastle was due to his winter program and the absence of suitable races in France for him due to the ground conditions. Griezmann and Decouz are excited about this new challenge in the UK. The French have traditionally performed well at the Newcastle, with hopes high for Hooking’s success. Furthermore, French trainer Yann Barberot has another runner, Fast Raaj, in the BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap, with high expectations following his recent victories.
Although Antoine Griezmann is enjoying success in horse racing, other owners face setbacks. Michelle Mone, a prominent figure, had to withdraw her horse from the 2024 Grand National. Mone’s hopes of participating in the prestigious £1 million race were dashed due to unforeseen circumstances with her “gift horse”. Additionally, a tragic incident involving a trailer carrying seven racehorses occurred, resulting in the death of three horses and serious injuries to four others. The shocking accident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in the sport of horse racing, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and precautions for both horses and drivers.
Hooking, an eight-year-old horse owned by Antoine Griezmann, has shown exceptional performance under the training of Philippe Decouz. Having achieved back-to-back Listed victories and excelling on all-weather tracks, Hooking has proven his talent and versatility. Decouz praises Hooking’s condition ahead of the race at Newcastle, attributing his success to proper care and regular breaks. With Hooking’s preference for specific ground conditions and distances, Decouz and Griezmann are optimistic about his performance in the upcoming race. The French duo’s collaboration has resulted in a strong partnership, setting the stage for Hooking’s debut in the UK.
As one of the most decorated football players globally, Antoine Griezmann is now making a name for himself in the world of horse racing. His passion for the sport and dedication to his horses have led to significant victories, including Txope’s triumph in the German 1,000 Guineas. The synergy between Griezmann’s football career and horse racing endeavors showcases his versatility and commitment to success in multiple fields. With Hooking’s participation in the BetUK Easter Classic at Newcastle, Griezmann is poised to achieve more milestones and further solidify his reputation as a successful horse owner and breeder.
The French presence in UK horse racing has been notable, with trainers and owners making their mark on the competitive circuit. French raiders, including Antoine Griezmann and Yann Barberot, have had considerable success on Finals Day at Newcastle. With a history of six wins from 26 runners, the French contingent aims to secure victories in all championship races. The BetUK Easter Classic offers a new challenge for French runners, with hopes high for Hooking and Fast Raaj. As the race day approaches, anticipation builds for an exciting competition between international competitors vying for top honors in the world of horse racing.
