“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.” And it was not a journey dedicated just to glory and money, which did come – a Belmont Stakes win, a Breeders’ Cup race victory, and many G1 triumphs. No, Christophe Clement was a trainer because it gave him everything he wanted in life. “Being a racehorse trainer is far more than a profession; horses have brought me fulfillment, friends, and such wonderful memories.”

Those memories that he held most dear, that made him feel so lucky and loved, were with him till the end when he bid the final adieu to his loved ones on May 25, 2025. At the age of 59, Christophe Clement breathed his last, bringing an end to his battle with cancer. For the world of horse racing, it is a heartbreaking loss. They have been remembering the man and the touching legacy Clement has built in the sport.

David Grening of the Daily Racing Form shared the news on Twitter on May 26 with his own acknowledgement for the impact Clement had on the New York Correspondent. “RIP Christophe. Thank you for three decades of interviews, insights, general conversations, and your optimism and passion for NY racing. You will be sorely missed but surely not forgotten. Condolences to the Clement family.”

The tweet also carried the message from the 2014 Belmont Stakes trainer himself. Such an amazing soul Clement is that he left a note for his fans and family, ensuring everyone knew how appreciated he felt every moment of his life. The upbeat outlook the man had in life couldn’t be suppressed by the metastatic uveal melanoma diagnosis. No, rather, he spoke of all the things that made him happy. “My biggest accomplishment is my loving family.”

Christophe Clement’s wife, Valerie, who is the matriarch of the family, looks after the financial and logistical aspects of the Christophe Clement Racing Stable. In fact, Clement’s brother Nicolas, son Miguel, daughter Charlotte and a few other close ones are all in horse racing. No wonder he proudly states, “Racing is definitely a family passion!” addressing his daughter’s husband Shaun, grandson Hugo and others. But it was he who started it all for the Clement family in the US.

In 1991, he got his first win with Spectaculaire in his very first race. And he has been setting an example in the industry by showing that success as a trainer doesn’t have to come at the cost of integrity, honor, and humane treatment of the horses. In fact, since his passing, that’s the one thing that everyone is remembering about Christophe Clement, about how 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,” as shared by Breeders’ Cup.

Since the news of his passing, Clement’s horses at the AQU had been scratched. Not sure Christophe Clement would have wanted that, seeing as he lived and breathed racing. Nagulie was expected to start for the $48,000 Maiden Claiming race on Sunday, May 25. Eternal Silence, another one of CC Horse Racing Stable’s horses, was supposed to run on Monday, May 26, for Race 1 of the $90,000 Allowance Optional Claiming. That is before the racing world had to come to terms with Clement’s passing.

The news did leave a void in the racing community. But the way Christophe Clement lived his life and the principles he believed in would also guide his followers as they paid their final respects to the extraordinary man.

Racing community pours in with their tributes for the Belmont Stakes Winner

Talking about the man and the character, we sometimes forget that he has his fair share of wins. Clement had won 2576 races in his career. That included 40 Grade 1 wins, 85 Grade 2 wins, and 159 Grade 3 wins. And his CC Racing Stable has sent out thoroughbreds who have won more than $166 million in prize money. So, horse racing isn’t just losing an amazing person but a great champion. And a fan couldn’t help mentioning it as the world remembers his special accolades. “One of the very best in the sport. RIP.”

Similarly, one equestrian enthusiast who has known how good Clement has been for the sport tweeted, “He seemed like one of the genuine gems of the sport. Condolences to the fam and extended supporters.” He did train Gio Ponti, who won the Eclipse Awards as champion male turf horse in 2009 and 2010. The son of Tale of the Cat was also named the champion older male in 2009.

But his most famous win was the 2014 Belmont Stakes with Tonalist, which stopped California Chrome from winning the Triple Crown. With some big wins under his able guidance, he will be remembered for generations. One fan tweeted, “One of the best my condolences to his family.”

You know what Clement’s final message has been for his fans? To show his family the same love they have showered him with. “I am truly honored to leave Clement Stable in the capable hands of my son and long-time assistant, Miguel Clement. This has been an ongoing transition over the last few years. Success without a successor isn’t truly success. Watching this transition has truly been one of my proudest moments.”

Christophe Clement was a man whose code was ‘looking beyond himself.’ And with that belief, he started a journey that has made him a winner, a provider, a mentor and motivator, a complete champion, and a role model in the horse racing world. So, this tweet from one fan does echo our heartache. “Horrible RIP CC.” As does this “💔” tweet from a fan.

A bright light of optimism, of perseverance, a beacon of integrity and humanity left us on May 25, but with one final and vital message. “Finally, thank you to the horses and to my racing family for all the kind messages of support to both the CC tribe and me. Enjoy life every single day.”