The horse racing community mourns the loss of Christophe Clement, a legendary trainer who passed away at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with metastatic uveal melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer. Clement, who trained Tonalist to victory in the 2014 Belmont Stakes and won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2021, announced his own death in a heartfelt statement posted to his stable's X account.

A Storied Career Born in Paris, Clement was one of the most respected figures in U.S. horse racing over the past 34 years. He began his career under the guidance of his father, Miguel Clement, a leading trainer in France, and later worked for the prominent French racing family of Alec Head. After moving to the U.S., he honed his skills under Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey before establishing his own stable in 1991.

Notable Achievements Clement's career was marked by numerous accomplishments, including 2,576 victories and purse earnings exceeding $184 million. Among his most celebrated horses was Gio Ponti, a two-time Eclipse Award winner for champion male turf horse. Clement's training prowess was also evident in the 2014 Belmont Stakes, where Tonalist thwarted California Chrome's Triple Crown bid.

A Legacy of Integrity Known for his unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of his horses, Clement was a beloved figure in the racing world. 'Christophe Clement was a kind and generous man who made lasting contributions to the fabric of racing in New York,' said Dave O'Rouke, president and CEO of the New York Racing Association.

Final Words In his farewell message, Clement expressed pride in his career and gratitude for the love and support he received. '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,' he wrote. His stable will now be managed by his son and longtime assistant, Miguel.

Christophe Clement's legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the world of horse racing.