Christophe Clément, a prominent horse trainer who achieved significant success in American racing, passed away at 59 after battling metastatic uveal melanoma. He left a heartfelt message for his family to share, expressing his inability to overcome the illness. Clément was known for his remarkable achievements, including training Tonalist to victory in the 2014 Belmont Stakes and Pizza Bianca in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, alongside his best horse, Gio Ponti, a seven-time Grade 1 winner.
Born into a racing family in France, Clément began his career in the U.S. in the early ’90s and quickly made a name for himself, amassing 2,576 wins and over $184 million in earnings. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 2025 and was celebrated for his consistency and dedication to the sport. His final victory came shortly before his passing, and he expressed pride in transitioning his stable to his son, Miguel.
Tributes poured in from across the racing community, highlighting Clément’s professionalism, kindness, and lasting impact on the sport. Colleagues and friends remembered him not only for his accomplishments but also for his integrity and genuine love for horses. He is survived by his wife Valerie and children Miguel and Charlotte, with Miguel poised to continue his father’s legacy in training.
