The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is in mourning following the passing of renowned trainer Christophe Clement at the age of 59. Clement died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of horse racing.
Born in Paris, France, Clement spent over three decades at the pinnacle of the sport, achieving significant success. A highlight of his illustrious career was the 2014 Grade 1 Belmont Stakes victory with Tonalist, owned by Robert S. Evans. Marc Holliday, Chairman of NYRA’s Board of Directors, remembered Clement as a leader, a devoted family man, and a mentor who inspired those around him. “Christophe was an incredible horseman, who always put the horse first and the results speak for themselves,” Holliday stated, reflecting on Clement’s impactful presence in the industry.
NYRA President and CEO David O’Rourke echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Clement’s kindness, generosity, and lasting contributions to New York racing. “His loss is profound, and he will be deeply missed across our sport,” O’Rourke remarked, extending condolences to Clement’s family and friends.
Family played a central role in Clement’s life and career. He learned the craft from his late father, Miguel Clement, a successful trainer in France. After his father’s passing in 1978, Christophe honed his skills under elite European trainers, including the legendary Alec Head. He further broadened his experience in the U.S. with Taylor Made Farm and Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey before a stint with Luca Cumani in the UK in 1987. Clement eventually returned to the U.S. to establish his own stable in 1991, achieving immediate success with his first starter, Spectaculaire.
His brother, Nicolas Clement, also found significant success, saddling Saumarez to victory in the prestigious 1990 Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Christophe was predeceased by another brother, Marc Clement.
Christophe’s wife, Valerie, was a constant pillar of support, managing the business side of the stable while running her own design company. Together, they raised their children, Charlotte and Miguel. Charlotte, a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Harvard Business School, is married to Shaun Collins, and Christophe was often seen at the track with his young grandchild, Hugo Christophe Clement Collins.
Miguel Clement, who has served as his father’s assistant, will now assume training duties, continuing the family’s storied legacy. He is married to NYRA TV analyst Acacia Clement. Christophe Lorieul, a long-time assistant and close confidant since 1994, will also remain instrumental in guiding the stable’s operations.
According to Equibase statistics, Clement saddled 2,576 winners from 13,269 starters, amassing over $184 million in earnings. His top earners include Gio Ponti, the Champion Older Horse and Champion Grass Horse of 2009, and the Belmont Stakes champion Tonalist.
Clement, who became a U.S. citizen in the year prior to his passing, expressed his deep connection to New York after Tonalist’s 2014 Belmont Stakes win, stating, “This race means a lot because it’s the Belmont and even if I’m French I consider myself a New Yorker and I will enjoy this for a while.”
He demonstrated remarkable versatility, preparing horses for all surfaces, as exemplified by Gio Ponti’s seven Grade 1 wins across various conditions. Gio Ponti was a model of consistency, achieving top-three finishes in 23 of 29 starts from 2009 to 2011, competing successfully at distances ranging from 7 to 11 furlongs on turf and synthetic tracks.
Gio Ponti’s legacy includes narrow defeats in prestigious races, such as the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic and the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Clement achieved his first graded win in 1992 and maintained a remarkable streak of 33 consecutive years with at least one graded stakes winner. He secured victories in numerous prestigious North American races, including a record five editions of Saratoga’s Sword Dancer stakes.
A consummate horseman, Clement was admired for his ethical approach and dedication to preparing athletes for major competitions. “Our hearts are saddened today,” said NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond. “Christophe was a consummate horseman and so esteemed by his peers, but above all he cherished his family and friends.”
Known for his often-understated confidence, Clement would frequently describe ambitious race prospects as “a little bit ambitious,” yet he consistently met these challenges with success. He trained over 20 millionaires and 41 Grade 1 winners, adding a Breeders’ Cup victory with Pizza Bianca in the 2021 Grade 1 Juvenile Fillies Turf.
His international success extended to Canada with Grade 1 wins with horses like Relaxed Gesture and Decorated Invader.
Despite undergoing treatment for cancer in his final years, Clement continued to achieve success, adding four graded wins in his last year of training, including Grade 2 victories at Aqueduct.
Clement was renowned for his gentlemanly demeanor, meeting everyone with warmth and genuine interest. He often deflected credit to owners, his team, and most importantly, the horse.
“He was always interested in seeing others succeed in racing,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “He wanted to see the sport succeed at every level, but most of all, he was a compelling, compassionate, friendly and outgoing individual.”
Funeral arrangements are pending. Christophe Clement’s impact on horse racing will be remembered for generations, a testament to his dedication, skill, and the deep passion he held for the sport and its equine athletes.
