Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, Arundel has long been one of West Sussex’s most picturesque towns.
But for acclaimed French trainer David Menuisier, it’s become far more than just a postcard-perfect setting.
Born in Lorraine, northeast France, David Menuisier grew up surrounded by thoroughbred breeding, with a family involved in both flat and jump racing.
Early experiences at former French jump champion Jean Paul Gallorini’s yard inspired his ambition to become a trainer.
After university, he trained under Chantilly’s Christiane Head-Maarek, gaining valuable experience and celebrating Group 1 wins with horses like American Post and Etoile Montante.
His growing reputation led to a move to California, where he worked with Hall of Famer Richard Mandella and elite horses such as Rock Hard Ten, gaining international insight.
After 18 months in the U.S., Menuisier returned to Europe, drawn to the UK’s rich racing heritage. That decision brought him to the historic Castle Stables in Arundel, West Sussex, where he became assistant trainer to the legendary John Dunlop OBE.
Story in Sussex
His time with Dunlop – coinciding with the final chapter of the great trainer’s career proved pivotal, as it was here that a fleeting stint in the UK transformed into a two-decade-long racing story thus far.
“I used to work in America, and I had to come back to Europe,” Menuisier told BoyleSports.
“I always wanted to try the UK and I came over for a short spell, a couple of years. As soon as I drove into Arundel, I fell in love, and it’s now been nearly 20 years.”
That decision has seen Menuisier quietly establish himself as a respected force in British flat racing, now operating a boutique yard in Pulborough, West Sussex, named Coombelands with around 90 horses, that consistently punches above its weight.
From this base, his team has been sending horses to the very top tier of the sport, with the headline act of the current crop being the talented and well-travelled filly, Tamfana.
Tamfana
Since being purchased for just £16,000 by respected bloodstock agent Jeremy Brummitt, Tamfana has proven to be a syndicate dream for her owners at Quantum Leap Racing – earning over £500,000 in prize money.
She’s carried their silks to iconic European meetings – placing in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the French Oaks at Chantilly, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
Along the way, she’s picked up two victories, including a coveted Group 1 win in the Sun Chariot Stakes.
Now four, Tamfana began her new campaign with a strong second at Sandown behind Dancing Gemini, a rival she’ll encounter again under more favourable conditions in the upcoming Group 1s.
Last time out, she found herself boxed in late and finished seventh of eight in the BoyleSports Lockinge Stakes – an effort that still showed her class even in defeat.
Her campaign is deliberately open-ended – a strategic flexibility Menuisier feels is essential for a filly still finding her ideal distance.
“Tamfana is in the Queen Anne, the Pretty Polly, she’s in the Eclipse and the Prince of Wales,” he said.
“She’s entered everywhere because I want to see, I want her to tell us. I want her to make her own programme. And I have to enter everywhere because I’m not 100% convinced she’s a miler.”
Menuisier’s Philosophy
Menuisier’s philosophy as a trainer is driven more by the horses themselves than by rigid targets or fixtures.
For him, a successful season is one that honours the potential of each individual in the yard, from Group 1 contenders to developing types.
“I just want to do the best with each horse I have really, you know? I want the very best ones to show how good they are. Well, all of them really, to be fair. I don’t set myself targets.”
But while talent and preparation matter, the going has emerged as a sticking point this season, and Menuisier has strong views about what’s holding back fuller fields.
“The main concern to me is the going. I think the ground is too quick. We’ve had no rain for too long. I do believe the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) has it wrong; the standard going should be good rather than good to firm.
“That’s a view of my own, obviously. But I think on good grounds, you would have a lot more runners. Personally, I would run a lot more horses if the ground was good rather than good to firm. I’m hoping for a bit of a change of weather so we can unleash a few more.”
Britain’s Framework
For Menuisier, Britain still offers the best framework for top-level racing – a belief that’s kept him rooted in Sussex even as his horses journey far beyond.
“I think Britain is where the best horses are. The programme on the whole is quite well made. The tracks are all different. The amenities for professionals are second to none, the way we get looked after, the staff gets looked after.”
“I think they’ve made massive efforts in the last 10 years to improve on that. The spectacle is amazing and it’s not perfect, but if you’re passionate about racing, this is the place to be.”
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