12 Questions With Bertrand Le Metayer

Bertrand Le Metayer | Tattersalls – Laura Green

First job in the Thoroughbred industry?
Cheap labour on my parents' stud farm; breaking in horses with my brother Louis.

Biggest influence on your career?
Serving in the commando paratroopers for building my determination. On the horse front it was inspecting Derby sale horses with George Mernagh in Ireland and yearlings with Rogers Beasley in Kentucky.

Favourite racehorse of all time, and why?
Has to be Frankel, not only for his performances but for the great story that it brings to the sport. For Juddmonte's skills of breeding the best and their belief in Sir Henry Cecil's capacity to bounce back in a world where it's easier to swap trainer than find a decent meal in Newmarket!

Who will be champion first-season sire in 2023?
Ask me again in early September.

Greatest race in the world?
Has to be the Arc being the multi-generation contest over testing trip and often ground. Urban Sea's legacy seems to prove it.

If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why?
Ryan Moore on Estimate when reporting to the late Queen after winning the Ascot Gold Cup, the joy that everybody felt that day was beyond explanation.

Emerging talent in the industry (human)?
David Menuisier.

Name a horse TDN should have made a Rising Star, and didn't?
Vadeni (Churchill).

Under-the-radar stallion?
Starspangledbanner.

Friday night treat?
A magnum of Burgundy with Dominic Mahony's finest Pata Negra.

Guilty pleasure outside racing?
That wouldn't be politically correct to reveal…

Race I wish I'd been there for…
The Derby in general.

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