Christophe Clement, a distinguished trainer whose career was marked by passion, integrity, and a deep love for his equine athletes, passed away on May 25 at the age of 59. Clement had been courageously battling metastatic uveal melanoma. His journey in horse racing, which began in his native France and flourished in the United States, leaves behind a profound legacy recognized and mourned by the racing community.
Clement’s father, Miguel, was also a successful horse trainer in Chantilly, France, instilling in Christophe a love for the sport from a young age. After his father’s passing, Clement honed his skills under the tutelage of prominent European trainers such as Francois Boutin, Luca Cumani, and the renowned Criquette and Alec Head. He further broadened his experience in the United States as an assistant to the respected trainer Shug McGaughey. In 1991, Christophe and his wife, Valerie, established Christophe Clement Racing Stable in the United States, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
A Career Defined by Excellence and Integrity
The stable’s first winner, Spectaculaire, emerged on October 20, 1991, at Belmont Park. Clement’s ascent to the top echelons of racing was swift. He secured his first graded stakes victory in February 1992 with Passagere du Soir in the Gulfstream Park Budweiser Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2T), followed by another top-level win with Sardaniya in the La Prevoyante Invitational Handicap (G2T) the next month. His first Grade 1 triumph came in 1994 with Danish (IRE) in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland.
Throughout his illustrious career, Clement trained 24 individual Grade 1 winners and amassed a total of 286 graded stakes victories. He was particularly renowned for his success on the turf, with 34 of his 41 Grade 1 wins occurring on grass. Among his most notable turf stars was Gio Ponti, a seven-time Grade 1 winner who earned over $6 million and was twice named Champion Grass Horse and Champion Older Horse in the Eclipse Awards. Pizza Bianca provided Clement with a Breeders’ Cup victory in the 2021 Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T).
Clement also demonstrated his versatility by training successful dirt horses. Tonalist stands out, achieving a career-defining victory in the 2014 Belmont Stakes (G1), preventing California Chrome’s Triple Crown bid. Tonalist went on to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) twice and the Cigar Mile Handicap (G1) in 2015.
Clement’s final career statistics reflect his enduring success: 2,576 wins from 13,269 starts, with purse earnings exceeding $184 million. From 2000 to 2024, he consistently ranked among the top 25 North American trainers by earnings, making the Top 10 eight times.
A Legacy of Horsemanship and Family
Christophe Clement was widely admired for his exceptional horsemanship. He took immense pride in the well-being of every horse under his care, fostering personal relationships with each one. Many of his owners remained loyal clients throughout his decades-long career, becoming like family. In his final message, Clement expressed gratitude for the support he and his wife received upon their arrival in the United States, emphasizing his commitment to operating with the highest integrity and prioritizing the horses’ welfare.
The passion for racing has been passed down to his children, Miguel and Charlotte. Miguel had increasingly taken on responsibilities within the stable and will now assume full control. Clement expressed pride in this transition, viewing it as a continuation of his legacy. Horses have brought me fulfillment, friends, and such wonderful memories, Clement stated in his posthumously released message.
Tributes from the Racing World
The news of Christophe Clement’s passing elicited widespread sadness and heartfelt tributes from across the racing industry.
Tina Marie Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, expressed condolences to Clement’s family and friends, remembering him as an esteemed horseman who cherished his loved ones.
Marc Holliday, chairman of New York Racing Association’s Board of Directors, lauded Clement as a leader, family man, and mentor who positively impacted those around him, always prioritizing the horse.
David O’Rourke, NYRA president and CEO, highlighted Clement’s kindness, generosity, and profound contributions to New York racing, emphasizing that his loss will be deeply felt.
Najja Thompson, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, described Clement as compelling, compassionate, and friendly, consistently supporting those he encountered.
The Breeders’ Cup statement recognized Clement not only as an exceptional trainer but also as a fierce champion of integrity and a mentor, whose commitment to horse welfare was paramount.
The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association echoed these sentiments, calling Clement one of the greats – a gentleman, a consummate horseman, and a pillar of integrity.
1/ST RACING acknowledged Clement’s respected legacy and exceptional horsemanship, noting his integrity, grace, and competitive spirit elevated every race.
Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, described Clement as the embodiment of professionalism, dedication, and integrity, respected for his excellence and genuine love for horses.
TOBA expressed sorrow over Clement’s passing, highlighting his advocacy for integrity and his prioritization of horse health and safety, epitomizing class and the best the sport has to offer.
Christophe Clement’s enduring impact on horse racing, built on a foundation of passion, integrity, and a deep respect for his equine partners, ensures his memory will continue to inspire for generations to come.
