On Thursday, Olivier Peslier will end his riding career at La Teste.
The 51-year-old has had an outstanding career in the saddle, winning numerous major races all over the world and four times as the French champion.
Peslier's resume includes four Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victories. A 1998 Derby victory with High-Rise, and a 2007 victory in the 2000 Guineas with Cockney Rebel.
His relationship with star miler Goldikova was long-lasting. He rode the mare to victory in 17 of her 27 career starts, including the famous Breeders' Cup Mile hat-trick in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
During his international career, Peslier won two Japan Cups, the Hong Kong Cup, the Mile, the Vase, and major races in Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Dubai.
Between 2003 and 2014, he was a retained rider for owners Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, with two of their long-running collaborations being the 2012 Arc winner Solemia and the aforementioned Goldikova.
After two races at La Teste in the southwest of France, Peslier will retire, having recorded more than 3,700 victories.
“My health is fine, but you need the horses and need the practice and if you don’t have so many horses, it is the time to decide to stop because it is very tricky to ride only a few horses,” Peslier informed the PA news agency. “After a very long career, I have had plenty of success. I have had more than 3,700 winners and over 500 Group race wins. I have won with both Arabians and thoroughbreds and 165 Group Ones, so it is amazing when I look at my career. I have won everywhere in the world and had great success and great moments. I’ve met so many good people and I’m very happy to stop my career and watch what has happened before. I won all the good races in England – the Epsom Derby, the King George and Royal Ascot. In Japan, I won 12 Group Ones and won the Japan Cup and all the big races over there and also the Breeders’ Cup and all the Derbies in Europe. So now is the time and I’m in good form and everything is fine. It’s sad to make the decision but this morning I rode six horses and tomorrow I will ride some horses in training and for sure I will keep riding some horses because everybody loves horses and also I ride for my passion.”
Uncertain of what lies ahead, Peslier plans to enjoy the summer with loved ones before deciding on plans for the next phase of his life. He mentioned Goldikova's talent as well as Prix du Jockey Club and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre as significant memories from his long and successful career.
“I will take a little break and see some friends and see what happens over the next few months,” continued Peslier.