78-Year-Old Dentist Christian Labbé Wins Prestigious French Horse Race with Moustik La Govelle

Christian Labbé, a 78-year-old dentist from Grand-Fougeray, Ille-et-Vilaine, achieved an emotional victory on June 21, 2026, as his horse Moustik La Govelle won the Prix du Président de la République, one of the most prestigious trotting events in France, according to Equidia reports.

What is the Prix du Président de la République?

The Prix du Président de la République is a Group 1 horse race held at Vincennes Hippodrome, featuring four-year-old trotters. It is considered one of the most competitive events in the French harness racing calendar. Moustik La Govelle, trained by Damien Bonne, secured victory after a “intense battle” with Météore de Simm, as reported by Equidia.

Why is this victory significant?

Labbé, who has only one horse and one mare, described the win as “a dream” and “dingue” (crazy), emphasizing its emotional impact. “You can buy anything in the world, but not this,” he said, per Equidia. This marked Moustik La Govelle’s second Group 1 triumph, following a win at the Prix de Vincennes earlier in 2025. Labbé attributed his success to his patients, stating, “If I’m here today, it’s thanks to them.”

How did the race unfold?

Moustik La Govelle, ridden by Damien Bonne, overcame strong competition to claim victory. Bonne, visibly moved, called the horse a “petit crack” (a standout talent), noting, “I’ve rarely trained a horse like this.” The win has positioned Moustik La Govelle as a contender for the Prix de Cornulier, another major trotting event.

What does this mean for Labbé’s career?

Labbé, who has balanced his dental practice with horse racing for years, admitted he “doesn’t sleep anymore” due to his focus on Moustik La Govelle. His victory highlights the intersection of passion and dedication, with the dentist expressing gratitude to his team and supporters. “I am the boss!” he exclaimed, per Equidia, after the race.

What are the implications for French harness racing?

The win underscores the competitiveness of French trotting, where amateur owners like Labbé can achieve elite success. Moustik La Govelle’s performance has drawn attention to the sport’s ability to produce underdog stories. Analysts note that the horse’s upcoming races, including the Prix de Cornulier, will be closely watched.