Top racing trainer who died from rare eye cancer aged 59 leaves heartbreaking message

Dozens of tributes have been left for inspirational racing trainer Christophe Clement who has died at the age of 59 after battling cancer. The French-born handler who moved to America for work in 1991 had been diagnosed with a rare form of the disease, metastatic uveal melanoma.

His sad passing was announced in an emotional post he had written for social media, which he signed off with the message: "Enjoy life every single day." It began: "Unfortunately, if you are reading this, it means I was unable to beat my cancer.

"As many of you know, I have been fighting an incurable disease, metastatic uveal melanoma. As I reflect on my journey, I realise I never worked a day in my life. Every morning, I woke up and did what I loved most surrounded by so much love.

"Being a racehorse trainer is far more than a profession, horses have brought me fulfilment, friends, and such wonderful memories."

Over the years, Clement won 41 Grade One races with his horses, first of all with Danish in the 1994 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland and finally saddling Far Bridge in the 2024 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont.

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Two-time American turf champion Gio Ponti landed top events such as the Arlington Million and Man o' War Stakes over five seasons, with 12 victories from 29 races on his record, plus two places at the Breeders Cup.

With training in the family, Clement started out with Alec Head in his own country and learned further from Luca Cumani before relocating to the US more than 30 years ago.

He gained more than 250 Stakes races, earning more than $166 million in prize money and the 2014 Belmont Stakes with Tonalist. In the post, published on X, Clement thanked his wife and family for their support, as well as his owners who welcomed him into America with "immense kindness."

He added: "I'm 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.

"It goes without saying but none of our success could have been possible without a wonderful team behind me. I am truly honoured to leave Clement Stable in the capable hands of my son and long-time assistant, Miguel Clement. Success without a successor isn't truly success."

Clement's message has been shared more than 800 times and tributes have been left by fellow trainers and racing fans.

Jonathan Thomas, who has horses in New York and Kentucky, wrote: "Christophe, in 2002 you convinced a 22-year-old struggling jump jockey into joining your team. The next 5 years changed the trajectory of my life and you set a standard for horsemanship and ethics I strive for daily. My deepest condolences to the Clement family.:

David Menuisier described Clement as an "incredible horseman" while his colleague Ed Dunlop said he was a "great man and brilliant trainer."

"Every now and then a rare individual comes along and distinguishes themselves in the way they approach life, rising to the top of their game and positively impacting those around them. Christophe was a leader, a family man, friend and mentor to others," said Marc Holliday, Chairman of the New York Racing Association's Board of Directors.

"Christophe was an incredible horseman, who always put the horse first and the results speak for themselves. I feel lucky to have known him.