(FILES) French horse riding trainer Francois Nicolle poses before a training session in Saint-Augustin-sur-Mer, southwestern France, on May 3, 2022. François Nicolle, one of France's top three jump racing trainers, won the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris in 2025 with his charge Diamond Carl, ridden by Clement Lefevbre. Based in Saint-Augustin at his private training centre, the Charente native works with his wife and a team of 40 staff to look after around a hundred horses. This year, he will attempt to double his success in this 6km marathon race featuring 23 obstacles. A man who thrives on a challenge, he hopes to win with the six-year-old Kentucky Wood. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP via Getty Images)