Respected horseman and leading trainer Christophe Clement. Coglianese Photo.
Leading trainer Christophe Clement, who won more than 2,500 races and racked up purses of more than $184 million, passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 59. A native of Paris, France, Clement enjoyed success at the highest levels of racing for more than three decades, including a classic win in the 2014 Grade 1 Belmont Stakes with Tonalist for owner Robert S. Evans.
“Unfortunately, if you are reading this, it means I was unable to beat my cancer,” Clement wrote in a message posted on social media Sunday. “As many of you know, I have been fighting an incurable disease, metastatic uveal melanoma. As I reflect on my journey, I realize I never worked a day in my life. Every morning, I woke up and did what I loved most surrounded by so much love. This journey started with my wife, Valerie, and six horses. Being a racehorse trainer is far more than a profession, horses have brought me fulfillment, friends and such wonderful memories.”
Clement, who saddled 2,576 winners from 13,269 starters according to Equibase, ranks 11th all-time in total earnings with more than $184,119,069 million. The list of top runners is led by Castleton Lyons’ Gio Ponti, champion older horse of 2009 and champion turf male in 2009 and 2010 who earned $6,169,800; and Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist, who also won back-to-back editions of the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup and Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap before retiring with earnings of $3,647,000.
Clement won 286 graded stakes during his career that earned him multiple finalist nominations for induction into the Racing Hall of Fame, including in 2025. He also holds the distinction as a trainer of Grade 1 winners and also as the breeder of a New York-bred Grade 1 winner on the flat. Therapist, co-bred by Clement and Richard Leahy’s Oak Bluff Stable and born at Berkshire Stud, provided that Grade 1 with a victory in the 2023 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Clement was honored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. as its Trainer of the Year in 2021 and 2022. He trained a bevy of New York-bred champions, including Pandagate (3-Year-Old Male in 2024), Silver Skillet (Turf Female in 2023), City Man (Turf Male in 2022), Acoustic Ave (2-Year-Old Male in 2022), Senbei (2-Year-Old Male in 2021), Gucci Factor (Turf Male in 2019), Disco Partner (Turf Male in 2017), Lubash (Turf Male in 2014 and 2015), and Discreet Marq, winner of the G1 Del Mar Oaks and two championship trophies in 2013.
The list of 286 graded stakes victories includes 41 at the Grade 1 level, mostly recently three last year in the Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer at Saratoga with Far Bridge, Saratoga Derby Invitational with Carson’s Run and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Aqueduct with Far Bridge.
The New York-bred Disco Partner won 11 of 33 starts for his owner and breeder Patricia Generazio and Clement, including back-to-back editions of the Jaipur Invitational in 2017 and 2018 at Belmont Park. Disco Partner’s victory in the Grade 3 Jaipur in 2017 in 1:05.67 established a world record for 6 furlongs on the turf.
Family was always at the heart of his operation, learning at the hand of his late father, Miguel Clement, a successful trainer in France. After his father passed in 1978, Clement worked with many of the elite trainers in Europe, including legendary French conditioner Alec Head. In 1986, he spent time with Taylor Made Farm in the U.S., and a stint with Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey.
Clement ventured back to Europe in 1987 to work for Luca Cumani in the U.K. before returning stateside to go out on his own in 1991, winning with his first starter, Spectaculaire, that October over the inner turf at Belmont Park with Triple Crown-winning jockey Jean Cruguet at the helm. That victory came just one year after his brother, Nicolas Clement, saddled Saumarez to a prestigious victory in the 1990 Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Clement was pre-deceased by another brother, Marc Clement.
Clement was supported throughout his racing journey by his wife, Valerie, who in addition to handling the business side of the stable, operates her own design company. Together, they raised their children Charlotte and Miguel. Charlotte, a Vanderbilt University graduate, received her MBA from Harvard Business School. She is married to Shaun Collins and a proud Clement was often seen trackside at the Oklahoma holding his young grandchild, Hugo Christophe Clement Collins.
Miguel, who has served as his father’s assistant since graduating from Duke University and the Darley Flying Start program, is married to NYRA TV analyst Acacia Clement. Miguel will take over training duties going forward and will continue a storied family legacy that includes his father’s 30 years of excellence at the top of the sport.
Christophe Lorieul, a member of Clement’s ‘chosen family’ and his assistant since 1994, will also continue to steer the organization with a steady hand.
Remembrances and messages of condolences flooded in from all corners of the racing industry Sunday with the news of Clement’s passing.
“He was always interested in seeing others succeed in racing,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. and longtime friend of the Clement family. “He wanted to see the sport succeed at every level, but most of all, he was a compelling, compassionate, friendly and outgoing individual, that really supported everyone he encountered in his life, including mine.”
“Every now and then a rare individual comes along and distinguishes themselves in the way they approach life, rising to the top of their game and positively impacting those around them. Christophe was a leader, a family man, friend and mentor to others,” said Marc Holliday, Chairman of NYRA’s Board of Directors. “Christophe was an incredible horseman, who always put the horse first and the results speak for themselves. I feel lucky to have known him. His legacy is his family and the giant he was in the industry. It will take time to grieve his loss, but as much as this is a sad day, in time there will be much to celebrate for a life well lived.”
“Beyond his accomplishments as a trainer, which are many, Christophe Clement was a kind and generous man who made lasting contributions to the fabric of racing in New York,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “His loss is profound, and he will be deeply missed across our sport. We extend our condolences to Christophe’s family and legion of friends.”
“Our hearts are saddened today,” said New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Tina Marie Bond. “Christophe was a consummate horseman and so esteemed by his peers, but above all he cherished his family and friends. He made an extraordinary life for himself here in New York. Our sympathies go out to Valerie, Miguel, Charlotte, and Acacia, as well as all of the long-standing members of the CC tribe. May he rest in peace.”
“For decades, Christophe was the embodiment of professionalism, dedication and integrity in our industry,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “He earned the deep respect of his peers through consistent excellence and a record of success at the highest levels of racing. Yet beyond achievements, it was Christophe’s genuine love for the horse that truly set him apart. He was a consummate professional and a welcoming gentleman whose demeanor was always positive, gracious and upbeat. May his memory continue to inspire the industry he loved so dearly.”
“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Christophe Clement,” a statement from Breeders’ Cup Ltd. Said. “Not only was Christophe an exceptional trainer who excelled at the pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing, but his mark upon our sport also went above and beyond just winning races. He was a fierce champion of integrity, a friend and mentor to many, and a consummate professional who always put the well-being of his horses at the forefront of every decision. Our heartfelt condolences are with Christophe’s family, staff, and many friends. His presence will be dearly missed, and his legacy will live on for generations.”
Funeral arrangements are pending.
