For over a century and across four generations, the Head family has been a cornerstone of thoroughbred racing, etching an unparalleled legacy of success in France and on the international stage. Their influence is perhaps most vividly illustrated by their remarkable record in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, arguably the world’s premier horse race. Astonishingly, members of the Head family have been involved as trainers or jockeys in one in every eight Arc winners since the race’s inception in 1920. Their dominance is even more pronounced since 1947, the year of their first Arc victory, having been associated with one in every six winners. This enduring connection to the Arc speaks volumes about the family’s deep-rooted expertise and passion for the sport.
A Tradition of Champions
The Head family’s impact extends far beyond the Arc de Triomphe. Multiple generations have earned the title of French champion trainer, and Freddie Head, a celebrated figure in the family, achieved champion jockey status an impressive six times. Their collective success encompasses victories in nearly every major French race and numerous prestigious international events.
Haras du Quesnay: A Breeding Powerhouse
Complementing their racing prowess, the Heads have cultivated a significant presence in the bloodstock world through their Haras du Quesnay stud farm, located near Deauville. Owned for over five decades, this stud has been instrumental in breeding champions, most notably Treve, a horse that captured hearts and achieved legendary status with multiple Arc victories. The stud farm stands as a testament to the family’s holistic approach to thoroughbred excellence, encompassing both racing and breeding.
Tracing the Generations
The Head dynasty’s journey began in the 1870s when William Head Snr emigrated from England as a jockey. He later transitioned to training, establishing a foundation for the generations to follow.
William Head: The Patriarch of Success
Born in 1899, William Head forged a successful career as a jump jockey before dedicating himself to training in 1922. His training career spanned fifty years, marked by significant achievements across European racing. His marriage to Henrietta Jennings, daughter of renowned horseman Henry Jennings, further intertwined the family with racing’s elite. After serving in the British Army during World War II, William returned to Maisons-Laffitte, and it was during this post-war period that the family’s racing fortunes truly soared. In 1947, William achieved his first Arc victory with Le Paillon, a horse he had previously ridden to second place in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. His triumphs also included the 1964 Prix du Jockey Club with Le Fabuleux and the 1966 Arc with Bon Mot, ridden by his grandson Freddie.
Alec Head: A Prolific Contributor
Alec Head, born in 1924, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a successful jump jockey before obtaining his training license in 1947. His marriage to Ghislaine, daughter of trainer Henri Van de Poele, further solidified his connection to the racing fraternity. Together, they raised four children: Freddie, Criquette, Martine, and Patricia, each of whom would make their mark in the racing world. Alec’s training career, which concluded in 1984, was one of the most distinguished in French racing history. He trained four Arc winners, including Nuccio (1952), Saint Crespin (1959), Ivanjica (1976), and Gold River (1981). He also secured victory in the Epsom Derby with Lavandin in 1956. Perhaps his most enduring legacy, however, is Haras du Quesnay. He took over the stud farm with his father in 1957 and transformed it into one of Europe’s most successful breeding operations. In recognition of his profound contributions, Alec Head was honored with the Longines and IFHA International award of merit.
Freddie Head: Champion on and off the Track
Freddie Head, born in 1947, stands as a towering figure in racing, both as a jockey and a trainer. During his illustrious jockey career, he was crowned French champion jockey six times, accumulating over 3,000 victories, including more than 100 Group 1 wins. His notable triumphs include seven Group 1 races in Britain and two Breeders’ Cup Miles aboard the mare Miesque. Uniquely, Freddie rode four Arc winners, three of which were trained by different generations of his family: Bon Mot (1966) for his grandfather William, Ivanjica (1976) for his father Alec, and Three Troikas (1979) for his sister Criquette. He also won the Arc in 1972 with San San, trained by Angel Penna. As a trainer, Freddie Head has achieved remarkable success, particularly with the mare Goldikova, a three-time Breeders’ Cup Mile champion. He has trained over 30 Group 1 winners worldwide since commencing his training career in Chantilly in 1997. His notable trainees also include the six-time Group 1 winner Moonlight Cloud and Solow, who has captured four of the world’s most prestigious mile Group 1 races. Freddie emphasizes the importance of a dedicated and professional staff in his training operation, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining success when he is not present.
Criquette Head-Maarek: A Trailblazing Trainer
Criquette Head-Maarek, born in 1951, has carved out a groundbreaking career in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Inspired by her father and grandfather, she developed a passion for horse racing from a young age. After studying in England and Spain, she returned to Chantilly and, after a period as her father’s assistant, obtained her training license in 1976, becoming only the second female trainer in France. Her early career also included work as a bloodstock agent. A pivotal moment came in 1979 when she trained Three Troikas to victory in the Arc, owned by her mother, Ghislaine. This marked the beginning of a prolific career, with Criquette training over 100 Group 1 winners worldwide, including three Arcs. She has consistently ranked among France’s top trainers and has successfully navigated personal challenges, including her recovery from cancer. Criquette also holds leadership positions, serving as President of the French trainers’ association and head of the European trainers’ association.
The Fifth Generation and Beyond
The Head family’s legacy continues with the fifth generation actively involved in racing. Christopher, one of Freddie Head’s seven children, serves as his father’s assistant. Criquette Head-Maarek’s daughter, Patricia, is married to trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias, who added to the family’s Arc victories in 2012 with Solemia. The Head dynasty’s enduring presence and continued success underscore their profound and lasting impact on the world of thoroughbred racing.
