The CEO of the Chantilly racecourse recently launched a major investigation into the Prix Marchand d’Or race, which took place on June 1, 2025, shedding light on an unexpected and controversial episode involving two of the most prominent jockeys of the moment: Mickaël Barzalona and Maxime Guyon. This news rocked the French horse racing world and sent shockwaves through the equestrian community.

It all began shortly after the finish line of this prestigious race, contested in ideal weather conditions. Mickaël Barzalona, ​​a jockey renowned for his daring and flamboyant style, rode his horse Rayevka to a spectacular victory, while Maxime Guyon, an experienced rider renowned for his tactical rigor, finished in a respectable position but below the expectations of his fans.

A few hours after the race, unexpected news surfaced: Maxime Guyon had reportedly filed a formal complaint with the racetrack organizers, alleging alleged cheating during the race. According to sources close to the case, Guyon and his team observed behavior deemed “suspicious” in the race management, particularly regarding certain maneuvers by Mickaël Barzalona and the decisions of the race stewards.

This complaint quickly sparked a chain reaction. The racecourse’s CEO, keen to preserve the integrity and credibility of this historic competition, ordered a thorough investigation to shed light on these accusations. The investigation aims to meticulously analyze video footage, officials’ testimonies, and technical data collected during the race.

Meanwhile, Mickaël Barzalona was quick to publicly respond to these accusations. In a sharp and forthright statement, he called Maxime Guyon’s complaint “unfounded slander” and denounced what he considered an attempt at personal destabilization. Barzalona also expressed his determination to fully cooperate with the racecourse authorities to ensure justice is done, while warning of the harmful effects of such controversies on the image of horse racing.

Opinions are divided among enthusiasts and experts. Some support the need for a rigorous investigation to protect the transparency of the competitions, while others fear that this conflict will tarnish the reputation of the jockeys and the racecourse itself. On social media, the controversy rages, fueled by heated debates and sometimes unfounded speculation.

This case comes at a crucial time for the horse racing season in France, where competition is fiercer than ever, and every victory is fiercely contested. The outcome of this investigation could well have major repercussions, not only on the careers of Mickaël Barzalona and Maxime Guyon, but also on the confidence of bettors and spectators in the fairness of racing.

It is important to remember that in the horse racing world, accusations of cheating are extremely serious and rare, and that the presumption of innocence must be respected until the facts are clearly established. The coming days will therefore be decisive, with the expected announcement of the investigation’s conclusions by the competent authorities.

In the meantime, the attention of the equestrian community remains focused on this unprecedented saga, which illustrates the passion, the rivalry, and the colossal stakes of modern horse racing. Whatever the outcome, this affair will leave a lasting mark on the annals of French racing, reminding everyone that behind every race, complex, sometimes tumultuous, human stories also play out.

The Prix Marchand d’Or race at Chantilly will thus remain much more than just a competition: it has become the scene of a potentially major scandal, the repercussions of which could redefine the rules of the game in the world of horse racing for years to come.