It’s never easy to follow in the footsteps of your elders, especially when you happen to be the grandson of Jean-Pierre Dubois, the son of Jean-Philippe Dubois and the nephew of Jean-Etienne Dubois. After winning his first Group I at 18 years old in the saddle of Texas Charm, Julien Dubois is steadily making his own way. Partnering up with Cygnus d’Odyssée’s son, he will attempt to make history by adding his name to the Prix d’Amérique roll of honour, along with that of his grandfather, father and uncle who have all done so before him.
The Dubois family have dedicated their lives to horses. The 74-year-old Jean-Pierre Dubois has a four-star prize list, richly enhanced with two Grand Prix d’Amérique wins from 1979 (with High Echelon) and 1982 (with Hymour). He bought and then moulded both of these trotting horses into winners himself. In 1996, it was his youngest son Jean-Etienne’s turn to triumph in the Prix d’Amérique, driving the sulky of the champion Coktail Jet, and taking on the triple role of breeder, trainer and driver. This very same achievement was then repeated by his brother Jean-Philippe in 2013, with Royal Dream, son of the top stallion Love You, who was bred by none other than…..Jean Pierre Dubois. Now 22 years old, Julien Dubois is the rightful heir to this incredible family saga. For his first attempt in the Prix d’Amérique Opodo, he will be teaming up with Texas Charm, an idol with feet of clay, who has had to miss the last two editions of the race owing to health problems.
Texas Charm – male, 8 years old
Trainer: Philippe Moulin
Driver: Julien Dubois
Owner: Victoria Dreams Stables
15 wins, including the Prix René Ballière 2013 (With the record time for the race, 1’09’’9)
