France Galop is engaged in a two-pronged strategy to ensure that any racehorse owners or their associates involved in sanctions against Russia have no place in the race.
The world of sports is seen as a key front in isolating those with links to Vladimir Putin’s regime, while heavy economic sanctions have been introduced by the European Union, Britain. and other Western governments in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Racing director Henri Pouret said on March 6 that France Galop was assisting in the judicial investigation into Russian nationals with assets in France, while the outside company held their owners’ accounts involved. Participate in daily raids to ensure that any new individuals identified for punishment do not miss out.
Pouret confirmed that no link had yet emerged between French racing and Russian oligarchs’ money, but insisted authorities would move quickly if anything emerged.
“Things can change quickly, but no objections have been raised yet,” he said.
“We’ve had experience with this, for example with certain owners in the North African region during the 2011 Arab Spring. If anyone is identified their France Galop account will be. frozen.”
The list of every Russian citizen with an ownership agreement in France has been turned over to the Jeux Police and the Interior Ministry for further investigation.
In the event of an owner’s asset freeze, France Galop will move out to ensure no racing professionals go out of pocket, with proceeds from any horses potentially sold by trainers. Practice will not find a way back for any sanctioned individuals.
