The horse racing community mourns the loss of Christophe Clement, a revered trainer whose career spanned over three decades.
Clement passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 59, after battling metastatic uveal melanoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer.
His passing was poignantly announced through a prewritten statement shared by his stable, reflecting his enduring dedication to the sport and the horses he cherished.
A Legacy Rooted in Passion and Excellence
Born in Paris in 1965, Christophe Clement was immersed in horse racing from an early age. He learned the intricacies of training under the guidance of his father, Miguel Clement, a prominent trainer in France.
His formative years included working with esteemed French racing families and later with Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey in the United States.
In 1991, Clement established his training operation in the U.S., marking the beginning of a distinguished career that would leave an indelible mark on American Thoroughbred racing.
Over 34 years, Clement achieved 2,576 career victories and amassed over $184 million in purse earnings.
His training prowess was exemplified by notable successes, including Tonalist’s victory in the 2014 Belmont Stakes, which thwarted California Chrome’s Triple Crown bid, and Pizza Bianca’s triumph in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
Remembering a Gentleman of the Sport
Beyond his impressive record, Clement was celebrated for his integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to horse welfare.
Colleagues and industry leaders have lauded his contributions, with Dave O’Rourke, president and CEO of the New York Racing Association, stating, “Christophe Clement was a kind and generous man who made lasting contributions to the fabric of racing in New York.”
In his farewell message, Clement expressed pride in his career and the values he upheld: “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.”
A Family’s Continuing Dedication
Clement’s legacy endures through his family, particularly his son and longtime assistant, Miguel Clement, who will continue the family’s training operation.
The Clement family’s deep-rooted involvement in horse racing spans three generations, reflecting a shared passion and commitment to the sport.
Christophe Clement is survived by his wife, Valerie; son, Miguel; daughter, Charlotte Clement Collins; daughter-in-law, Acacia Clement; son-in-law, Shaun Collins; and grandson, Hugo Collins.
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