Belmont Stakes (G1)-winning trainer Christophe Clement, who had been battling metastatic uveal melanoma, died May 25. He was 59.
In a prepared statement from Clement posted on his stable's twitter account following his death, the trainer said, "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."
A native of Paris, France, Clement gained his love for horses and racing from his father, Miguel, a successful horse trainer in Chantilly, France. After his father's passing in 1978, Clement continued his passion for racing under the guidance of top European trainers Francois Boutin, Luca Cumani, and Alec and Criquette Head. He also spent time in the United States as an assistant to Shug McGaughey.
In 1991, Clement and his wife, Valerie, moved to the United States and established Christophe Clement Racing Stable. The longtime New York-based trainer picked up his first winner with the first horse he saddled, a 3-year-old filly named Spectaculaire in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on the Belmont Park turf on Oct. 20, 1991.
It did not take long for Clement to start making an impact at the top levels. He won his first graded stakes in February 1992 when Passagere du Soir took the Gulfstream Park Budweiser Breeders' Cup Handicap (G2T) and quickly tacked on a second a month later when Sardaniya won the La Prevoyante Invitational Handicap (G2T) at Calder Race Course.
In 1994, Clement won his first grade 1 with Danish (IRE) in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland. In total, Clement trained 24 individual grade 1 winners and won a total of 286 graded stakes races.
Clement made a name for himself on the turf, where 34 of his 41 grade 1 victories took place. Among his standouts were Gio Ponti, a seven time grade 1 winner who earned more than $6 million and earned the Eclipse Award for Champion Grass Horse in 2009 and 2010 and Champion Older Horse in 2009; and Pizza Bianca, who captured Clement's only triumph at the Breeders' Cup with a victory in the 2021 Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T).
Clement also proved he could train a horse on any surface with multiple top-level wins on the dirt, headlined by the success of Tonalist . A late developer in his sophomore season of 2014, Tonalist would triumph in the Belmont Stakes (G1) while spoiling California Chrome 's Triple Crown bid. Later that year, he would best his elders in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), a race he would win again in 2015. He capped his career with a victory in the 2015 Cigar Mile Handicap (G1).
In total, Clement posted a 2,576-2,268-1,936 record from 13,269 starts for purse earnings of $184,119,069. From 2000-2024, he ranked in the top 25 North American trainers by earnings in all but one year, appearing in the Top 10 eight times. At the time of his death, he ranked 17th for the 2025 season.
Clement was known for his horsemanship, taking pride in the horses under his care and personally training and creating a relationship with each one. Many of his owners had joined Clement since early in his career and became close family friends.
"So many of you have supported us since I started training and welcomed Valerie and I into this country with immense kindness," Clement said while thanking his owners in his final message. "I am very proud that for over 30 years in this industry, we operated every single day with the highest integrity, always putting the horses' wellbeing first."
Clement also thanked the many members of his team, including longtime assistant Christophe Lorieul, who had worked with Clement since 1994.
The love of racing Clement learned from his father has been passed down to his children, Miguel and Charlotte. Miguel had taken over more and more responsibility over the past few years. Miguel will take over full control of the stable.
"Success without a successor isn't truly success. Watching this transition has truly been one of my proudest moments," Clement said. "Please continue to look out for my family. It always was and always will be a family affair."
Reaction from Racing World
Tina Marie Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
"Our hearts are saddened today. 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."
Marc Holliday, chairman of New York Racing Association'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.
"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."
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. 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."
Najja Thompson, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders
"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."
Breeders' Cup 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.
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."
Eric Hamelback, CEO of 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."
