Jean-Claude Rouget, one of the most successful trainers in European racing history, is to shut his stable in September. The 73-year-old has trained well over 7,000 winners and enjoyed multiple Group 1 success, winning Europe's richest race the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe twice with Ace Impact in 2023 and Sottsass in 2020, and the French Derby six times.
Career highlights and record-breaking run
Rouget started out as a jumps trainer with just ten horses and, once switching to the Flat, had a yard of more than 200. From there he set about becoming Europe's most prolific trainer, regularly exceeding 200 winners a year including a record-setting 242 in 1994. He has been champion trainer five times, a contest decided by prize-money.
Health struggles and partnership changes
In 2024 Rouget stepped away from the day-to-day running of yards in Pau and Deauville for a three-week period on doctor's orders after being diagnosed with lymphoma. It was subsequently announced his operation would merge with fellow trainer Jerome Reynier, but it never came to fruition.
Days after the announcement, the Aga Khan brought an end to a 19-year association, during which they had enjoyed big race successes with the likes of Valyra, Ervedya and Vadeni, who won the French Derby and Eclipse Stakes, and moved his horses to Francis-Henri Graffard.
Recent wins and closure announcement
Rouget, who now only operates his Pau yard, has continued to add to his Group 1 haul with Arrow Eagle winning the Prix Royal Oak last year. Afandy won a Group 3 prize in April this year and Leffard finished second in the Prix d'Ispahan.
He told Paris-Turf that his stable would cease operations on September 25 and added: "If no bids are received from a buyer, the company will be placed into liquidation."
