Young Guns With Nicolas Lefevre

[Wandering Eyes]

After its popularity earlier this year, Young Guns returns with all new questions and young professionals. Today we speak with Nicolas Lefevre, Founder of Equos Racing International.

TDN: Tell us about your career to date?

Nicolas Lefevre: I was born and raised in Paris and I have always been fond of horses. I did my first summer internships at Kildaragh Stud in high school and realised that I wanted to work in the industry. In parallel to my business studies in Paris, I  did one breeding season at the Aga Khan Studs (Gilltown), then Cheveley Park Stud in the UK before flying to Australia in 2014. I worked there for Peter and Paul Snowden in Sydney before working as a showman for top breeders across most New Zealand and Australian sales. This is where I met Louis Le Metayer for who I’ve worked with for the past three and a half years. I had a fabulous time beside him working between Australia and France, following the sales seasons of both hemispheres. I decided last summer to launch my own company, Equos Racing International.

TDN: If you could be one person in the industry for a day who would it be and why?

NL: Probably Angus Gold. He is one of the biggest buyers across the world and remains a very natural and cool character.

TDN: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

NL: To stay humble and never take anything for granted.

TDN: What is the best aspect of your current job?

NL: Travelling and meeting passionate people from all over the world in fantastic areas. And the fact that every day we learn something new.

TDN: If you weren’t working in the horseracing industry what would you be doing?

NL: Probably working in the art business as my parents are auctioneers in Paris, or maybe as a ski instructor as I am fond of skiing and the mountains.

TDN: If you had 24 hours to get someone interested in the horseracing industry how would you do it?

NL: First, I’d take them to morning track work in Chantilly. It’s the best way for me to show the magnificence of racehorses and our sport in general. Showing behind the scenes is the most passionate thing if someone wants to discover a new environment. I’ll then take them to the races, taking time to explain every aspect of the process of a race meeting, introducing them to the passionate professionals of our industry. And I’ll try to give them a winning tip.

TDN: What was your biggest achievement in 2018?

NL: I would say launching my own company this summer, and my first yearling purchase at the Osarus sales in September was particularly memorable.

TDN: Who was your horse of 2018 and why?

NL: Probably the Australian Cup winner Harlem because he was the first Group 1 winner I was involved with. He was bought by Astute Bloodstock when I was working for Louis Le Metayer.

TDN: What is your New Year’s resolution?

NL: To keep improving to be the best possible. To encourage new people to become passionate about our industry and to keep going to the races. To share my passion with people coming from various backgrounds.

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