France’s star jumping mare 'Dubai' wins bronze at Paris 2024

At the Olympics, one competitor stands out for a name that screams luxury: Dubai Du Cedre.

The top-tier jumping mare from France who competed alongside French rider Julien Epaillard, has a name that evokes the glamour of the UAE city, but she was actually born far away in Europe.

A star is born

Dubai was born in a small town in Brittany, France, on May 12, 2013. Her breeders, Sylvain Pitois, a physiotherapist, and his wife, Perrine Cateline, a schoolteacher, faced a challenging birth to bring this mare into the world.

Following their tradition of naming foals after cities, they chose the name Dubai for the year of the "Ds". Her name is also inspired by her mother Urgada, named after an Egyptian city.

Indoors or outdoors, Dubai's jumping and her speed make everyone sit up and take notice.Reuters

She has a lot of energy… I try to get her to use this energy with me. - Julien Épaillard, Show jumping rider

Climbing the ranks

Dubai quickly made a name for herself, finishing second in the French seven-year-old championships in 2020. Epaillard, known as the Flying Frenchman, began riding Dubai in late 2022. They have formed an incredible partnership.

Last December, with Epaillard, she finished fifth in the Grand Prix in Geneva, capping a season with three Grand Prix wins. AFP

Dubai's recent performances have been outstanding. She won silver at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals in Riyadh and bronze at the FEI European Championships in Milan. Her sire (father), Baloubet Du Rouet, was a legendary jumper with three World Cup finals and a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Bronze medal for France

Epaillard, who runs his stables with his wife Susana in Le Pre d’Auge, loves Dubai's energy and spirit.AFP

Julien and Dubai helped France win a bronze medal in Olympic team showjumping, finishing with seven faults. They came in behind the U.S., which had four faults, and the gold medalists from Great Britain, who had just two faults. At 47, Paris 2024 was Julien’s first Olympic Games ever.