French Racing's Golden Boy Just Got Slammed with Another Ban (And This Time It's Messy)

By Lewis Barnett 24 June, 2025 5 mins read 70 Views

Well, this is awkward.

David Cottin - you know, the guy who trained Easysland to that brilliant Cross Country Chase win at Cheltenham back in 2020 - just got himself banned for three months. Effective immediately. And here's the kicker: France Galop won't even let him appeal it.

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When Champagne Dreams Turn Into Nightmares

Look, I've covered racing for years, and I thought I'd seen everything. But this story? It's like watching a car crash in slow motion. According to Paris Turf (and honestly, they're usually spot-on with this stuff), Cottin's latest troubles stem from what they're diplomatically calling "non-sporting offences."

Translation: he screwed up. Again.

The man who once had JP McManus backing his horses and Jonathan Plouganou riding winners for him can't run another horse until late September. That's brutal in this business - three months might as well be three years when you're trying to keep owners happy and bills paid.

The Bar Fight That Changed Everything

Here's where it gets really messy. French racing journalist Adrien Cugnasse spilled the tea on Nick Luck's podcast earlier this year, and honestly? I wish I hadn't heard it. Apparently, Cottin tried buying Champagne at Auteuil's bar (classy choice, I'll give him that) but didn't have his card with him.

What happened next sounds like something out of a bad movie. Guy "went a bit crazy" when they wouldn't serve him, got into it with the bar staff, and boom - two-month ban from the racecourse.

But wait, there's more.

Cugnasse mentioned unconfirmed reports of a "street fight" that allegedly left some young industry person injured. I hate writing that sentence, but if it's true... God. What a waste.

From Golden Child to Cautionary Tale

This isn't Cottin's first rodeo with the disciplinary committee either. He already had a 12-month suspension (six months suspended, thank you very much) after horses in his yard failed drug tests. The son of respected trainer Philippe Cottin, David was supposedly "one of the most charismatic jockeys" before switching to training.

Charismatic? Maybe. But charisma doesn't pay the bills when you keep getting yourself banned.

I remember watching Easysland win that Cross Country Chase in 2020 - what a performance that was. JP McManus in the winner's circle, Plouganou grinning ear to ear, and Cottin looking like he owned teh world. Fast forward five years and here we are, writing about bar fights and street altercations.

What Nobody's Saying (But Everyone's Thinking)

The thing that really gets me? France Galop's statement didn't even specify exactly what he did wrong this time. Just vague references to breaching license terms. In racing, when they're being that cagey about details, it usually means the real story is worse than what we're hearing.

Poor guy's probably burning through whatever goodwill he had left in the industry. And in French racing - where relationships and reputation mean everything - that's career suicide.

Look, I don't know David Cottin personally, but watching someone with his talent and connections throw it all away over what sounds like alcohol-fueled incidents? It's just sad. Really, really sad.

The racing world's got enough problems without losing trainers to their own demons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Triple Crown?

Triple Crown is the prestigious title that a three-year old thoroughbred receives when he wins three of the major races during a given year. In the United States they are the Kentucky Derby Stakes (Preakness Stakes) and Belmont Stakes. Triple Crown is rare and an honorable accomplishment. It signifies a horses exceptional endurance and capabilities.

What role does a jockey have in a horserace race?

The jockey can make or break a horse race. Their decisions and skills are crucial. A jockey who is experienced knows how to pace a horse, know when to push or hold back, navigate the field and use their whip effectively to get the maximum effort out of the horse during the final stretch. The relationship between the horse and jockey also plays a major role in a successful partnership.

How does a horse’s fitness level before a racing event get determined?

Fitness is measured by veterinary check-ups, trainer observations, as well as performance in workouts. Trainers watch for changes in the horse's behavior during training while vets are looking out for signs that it is injured or sick. The horse's behavior before the race also provides insight into how ready it is to compete.

What are the major horse racing events?

Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is a series of three prestigious horse races in the United States: the Kentucky Derby Stakes and the Preakness Stakes. Dubai World Cup and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe are among the most prestigious races in the world. Royal Ascot is held in the United Kingdom. These prestigious events bring together the finest jockeys, trainers, and horses from all over the world.

What is the significance of the horse's bloodline in racing?

The bloodline of a racehorse is enormously significant as it indicates the inherited traits passed down from its ancestors, which may include speed, stamina, and temperament -- all critical factors in racing success. Breeders look at a horse's bloodline to determine its potential. They then match the stallions to mares that will produce horses with desirable characteristics.

Statistics

The Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.
As of the latest reports, the horse racing industry contributes approximately $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Horse racing events in the United Kingdom draw in a yearly attendance of over 6 million people.
Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
The average racing career of a Thoroughbred horse spans approximately three to four years, after which many pursue breeding or other equestrian activities.

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How To

How to Place a Bet on a Horse Racing Track

Decide how much you are willing to bet before placing a wager at a racetrack. Decide the type of wager - whether you're going for a simple show, win, place or show or something more exotic like an exacta or trifecta. You should approach a betting booth and state clearly the race number, horse number and type of bet. Take the printed ticket and double check it before you leave the window. Keep your ticket so you can claim your winnings in the event that your bet wins. Automated betting machines are also available for more privacy and often shorter lines.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/when-unstoppable-horses-stop-dead-the-storm-boy-disaster-that-had-me-questioning-everything