Born in 1966 in Valence in southern France, Philippe has been at the forefront of his sport over the last 15 years in France.

To date, he has ridden 462 winners from 3,196 rides over jumps and 22 wins from 178 rides on the flat.

One of the rare breed of jockeys in France to emerge from the amateur ranks where he rode mainly in south-eastern France.

After 4 years, he turned professional and joined ace French jumps trainer, J.P.Gallorini. Philippe rode for Gallorini between 1988 -93 and became Champion Jump Jockey in 1991 with a very impressive 98 winners from 386 rides, netting FRF 15.2m in prize money...double that of his nearest rival.

In 1993, he joined another top trainer, Marcel Rolland, for whom he has ridden for ever since.

In 1995, he was 1st jockey for the Marquise de Moratalla and lifted the two jewels of the French steeplechasing calendar: the Grand Steeplechase de Paris on Ubu III (pictured left) and the Grand Steeplechase d'Enghien on Corton.

In 1999, Philippe once again took the Grand Steeplechase de Paris on Mandarino (pictured left) for Marcel Rolland.

He considers Didier Mescam as the jockey he most admires. Philippe does not employ an agent in France as unlike his UK counterparts, jump jockeys don't use them. Instead he arranges his rides himself and can be contacted for rides at ubu3@wanadoo.fr

Best horses ridden: Ubu III, Corton, Mandarino, Le Coudray, Nonito, Mon Romain, Madalka, Katiki, Saint Réalise, Domloula and Algan.

Big Race Wins