Christophe Clement, a renowned trainer who won the Belmont Stakes (G1), passed away on May 25 at the age of 59 after battling metastatic uveal melanoma. In a heartfelt statement shared posthumously, he reflected on his career, expressing gratitude for the love and fulfillment he found in training horses alongside his family. Clement’s journey began in France, inspired by his father, and he established his racing stable in the U.S. in 1991, quickly making a mark in the industry.
Over his career, Clement trained 24 individual grade 1 winners and achieved a remarkable record of 2,576 wins from 13,269 starts, earning over $184 million in purse money. He was particularly celebrated for his success on turf, with notable horses like Gio Ponti and Tonalist, the latter famously winning the Belmont Stakes in 2014. Clement was respected not only for his training prowess but also for his integrity and dedication to the well-being of his horses, fostering close relationships with owners and staff.
The racing community has expressed profound sorrow at his passing, highlighting his contributions to the sport and the legacy he leaves behind. Tributes from various organizations and peers emphasize his professionalism, compassion, and the positive impact he had on those around him. His son, Miguel, is set to take over the stable, ensuring that Clement’s passion for racing continues within the family.
