By Bill Finley
Christophe Clement, a native of Paris, France, who started training full-time in the U.S. in 1991, has passed away after battling Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. He was 59.
Clement was introduced to the sport by his father Miguel, a French trainer. He went to work for top French trainer Alec Head before coming to the U.S. to work for Shug McGaughey. He made one more stop in Europe, working as an assistant to Luca Cumani before opening up his own U.S. based stable in 1991.
Clement picked up his first win as a U.S. trainer with his first starter, Spectaculaire (Spectacular Bid) in an Oct. 2, 91 maiden race at Belmont.
Because of his European background, Clement was thought of as a grass trainer. That reputation grew as one of his first big stars was Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat), who was named male grass champion in 2009 and 2010. He was also named older horse champion in 2009.He won seven Grade I races and 11 stakes in all.
As his stable expanded, he would prove to be just as adept with dirt horses. He registered his first Grade I win on the dirt with Funny Moon, the winner of the 2009 GI Coaching Club American Oaks. His best dirt horse was undoubtedly Tonalist (Tapit), who won the 2014 GI Belmont S., ending California Chrome's (Lucky Pulpit) bid for a Triple Crown. He won three more Grade Is, two editions of the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup and the GI Cigar Mile.
Clement has been nominated to the Hall of Fame, but has yet to receive enough votes get in.
The Belmont was the only Triple Crown race that Clement won. He won his first Breeders' Cup race in 2021 when Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock ({Aus}) captured the GI Juvenile Fillies Turf.
“He's a very cool customer,” said Pizza Bianca's owner, Bobby Flay, at the time. “This time he showed a lot of emotion, and it was nice to see.”
Clement picked up his first graded win in 1992–his second season of training–with Passagere du Soir in the GII Gulfstream Park Budweiser Breeders' Cup Handicap. More recently, his achievements include a record five wins in Saratoga's Sword Dancer (Honor Glide, 1999; Winchester, 2011; Gufo, 2021-22; and Far Bridge, 2024).
Also exerting a presence North of the border at Woodbine, his runners have accounted for a quartet at the Grade I level–Relaxed Gesture [2005 Canadian International], Decorated Invader [2019 Summer Stakes], Mutamakina [2021 E. P. Taylor] and Carson's Run [2023 Summer Stakes].
In 2025, Clement won four additional graded stakes, including Far Bridge (English Channel), victorious in the May 10 GII Man o' War at the Big A and the GIII Pan American at Gulfstream earlier in March in addition to May 3 GII Fort Marcy winner Deterministic (Liam's Map).
According to Equibase, Clement saddled 2,576 winners from 13,269 starters. His stable had compiled total earnings of $184,119,069.
He is survived by his wife Valerie; daughter Charlotte and son Miguel Clement, who has been serving as his father's top assistant; grandson Hugo Collins; and daughter-in-law and TV personality Acacia Clement. Clement's brother, Nicolas, who also made a name for himself as a trainer, is responsible for Saumarez, winner of the 1990 G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The horseman was pre-deceased by another brother, Marc Clement.
To read TDN's Christina Bossinakis's story featuring Christophe Clement as he approached his 2000th career win in 2020, click here.
Christophe Clement's statement posted Sunday on X by his family:
Unfortunately, if you are reading this, it means I was unable to beat my cancer. 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.
My biggest accomplishment is my loving family. I met my extraordinary wife when we were 18 years old in France and we then moved across the world and raised two incredible children, Miguel and Charlotte. Throughout the journey, we added two more fantastic kids, Shaun and Acacia. I was also blessed to meet my first grandchild, Hugo. Thank you to my daughter who devoted all her time to finding a cure. I love them all unconditionally and am so proud. I hope you all find one day as much love as I've been lucky enough to be given by you all. Please continue to look out for my family. It always was and always will be a family affair.
Christophe and Valerie Clement at Saratoga | Tod Marks
I would like to also thank our wonderful owners, many of which have become family and very close friends. You have trusted our team with the care of your horses, and we had an incredible run together. So many of you have supported us since I started training and welcomed Valerie and I into this country with immense kindness. I am very proud that for over 30 years in this industry, we have operated every single day with the highest integrity, always putting the horses' wellbeing first. It goes without saying but none of our success could have been possible without a wonderful team behind me. I am especially grateful to my lifetime assistant, Christophe Lorieul, who has been a key piece of our family for over 30
years … and counting!
I am truly honored to leave Clement Stable in the capable hands of my son and long-time assistant, Miguel Clement. This has been an ongoing transition over the last few years. Success without a successor isn't truly success. Watching this transition has truly been one of my proudest moments.
Finally, thank you to the horses and to my racing family for all the kind messages of support to both the CC tribe and me. Enjoy life every single day.
With love,
Christophe Clement
The Industry Remembers Christophe Clement:
David O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO
“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.”
NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond
“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. 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.”
Andy Belfiore, NYTHA Executive Director
“I met Christophe when he came to the U.S. to work for Shug McGaughey, and needed a place to stay for a few days in New York before heading to Florida. Even back then, you could tell he was going to be a great trainer and would always put the horse first. You could see how dedicated to family he was as well, calling home to France pretty much every night; he probably spent half his paycheck on the phone bills. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
Marc Holliday, Chairman of NYRA's Board of Directors
“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.”
Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association
“For decades, Christophe was the embodiment of professionalism, dedication and integrity in our industry. 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. Christophe Clement will be remembered not only for the champions he trained but for the kindness he extended, the high standards he upheld and the legacy he leaves behind. The NHBPA extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, the CC Tribe and all who had the honor of working with and knowing him. May his memory continue to inspire the industry he loved so dearly.”
Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.
“He was always interested in seeing others succeed in racing. 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.”
1/ST Racing statement
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Christophe Clement, a respected and accomplished horseman whose legacy is etched into the fabric of our sport. Christophe's exceptional horsemanship, professionalism, and enduring passion for racing were evident every time he saddled a horse at our racetracks. Over the years, Christophe's runners graced the winner's circles at Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita Park, and beyond, earning admiration from fans, fellow horsemen, and racing officials alike. He brought integrity, grace, and a competitive spirit that elevated every race in which he participated. On behalf of the entire 1/ST RACING team, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Clement family, his staff, owners, and all who were touched by his presence in the racing community. His impact on our sport is indelible, and he will be missed dearly.”
Breeders' Cup Ltd statement
“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Christophe Clement. 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.”
Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association statement:
We join with our colleagues and industry partners in mourning the untimely passing of Christophe Clement. Simply put, Christophe represented the best of thoroughbred racing. He was one of the greats; highly respected by his peers, a gentleman at all times, the consummate horseman, passionate about our sport, devoted to the health, safety and welfare of the horse, and a pillar of integrity. Our industry was better from the example that Christophe set and his passing leaves a void.
Our deepest condolences to Christophe's family, stable, owners and friends. He will be sorely missed.
— Christophe Clement Racing Stable (@clementstable) May 25, 2025
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