The Olympic Torch took part of its journey in a sulky to Paris, France over the weekend ahead of 2024 Summer Games.
The ceremonial Olympic Torch Relay, which promotes unity and peace as it travels through the host country to mark the start of celebrations for the Olympic Games, had multiple equestrian connections over the past few days.
During its 68-day route to Paris, the torch passed through the Chantilly racecourse on Thursday, July 18 with jockey Sophie Chuette serving as one of the torchbearers.
As the flame was paraded to the Enghien-Soisy racecourse on Friday, July 19, driver Camille Levesque accompanied the torchbearer, 1988 Olympic judoka silver medalist Brigitte Deydier, in a sulky behind a trotter named Harvest, who was adorned in the nation's colours of blue, white and red. The popular trotting venue hosted the Olympic Torch Relay's end-of-day celebrations with 10,000 in attendence for the sports, music and shows.
"It's absolutely brilliant. When I was offered it two years ago, I immediately said yes and I had marked the date!" Levesque was quoted as saying in a translated letrot.com article. "It's an unforgettable moment, an incredible chance to have experienced it. I'm also very proud of my horse, who was perfectly calm. This arrival on the racecourse with the children waving gives me chills."
On Sunday, July 21, the torch arrived at the grand trotting museum and training centre, Domaine de Grosbois, for another celebration. The torchbearer there was flanked by several trotters on the track to start the relay and advanced to the castle for the festivities attended by 7,000 people.
(Standardbred Canada)