‘The idea came to me at the start of the year’.
A Powerhouse Partnership in French Racing—Jean-Claude Rouget and Jerome Reynier Unite for 2025
In a seismic shift for the world of horse racing, two of France’s most celebrated trainers, Jean-Claude Rouget and Jerome Reynier, have announced they will join forces under a joint license starting January 1, 2025. This unprecedented collaboration between the legendary Rouget, 70, and the rapidly rising star Reynier, 38, is set to redefine the landscape of European racing, promising a future filled with shared victories and strategic brilliance.
The Alliance of Giants
Jean-Claude Rouget, a titan in the racing industry, is widely revered for his unmatched success and unparalleled expertise. With a career spanning decades, Rouget has trained more winners than any other European trainer in history, earning an illustrious reputation that few can rival. His triumphs in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, most recently with Ace Impact in 2022 and Sottsass in 2020, have solidified his legacy as a master of the sport. However, Rouget’s recent struggles with ill health have kept him away from the racecourse, sparking speculation about the future of his storied career.
Enter Jerome Reynier, a name that has been steadily gaining prominence in the racing world. Operating out of Marseille, Reynier has built a formidable stable with standout performers like Facteur Cheval and Lazzat. His modern approach and fresh perspective have attracted attention, marking him as one of the sport's most promising talents. The partnership with Rouget is not just a career milestone for Reynier but a strategic move that promises to elevate both trainers to new heights.
A Strategic Merger
The collaboration between Rouget and Reynier is not just a merger of talent but a confluence of experience, innovation, and shared ambition. Rouget’s operations are spread across two major bases in Deauville and Pau, while Reynier manages his stables in Marseille, including the yard owned by his key supporter, Jean-Claude Seroul. This geographical spread will allow the combined operation to cover a vast territory, enhancing their ability to scout, train, and race top-tier horses across France and beyond.
Rouget, in an exclusive interview with the French online publication Jour de Galop, shed light on the origins of this groundbreaking partnership. “I have known Jerome Reynier for several years and when I looked at his operation, I liked everything he did. The idea came to me at the start of the year,” Rouget revealed. His words underscore the mutual respect and admiration that form the foundation of this alliance.
Reynier echoed Rouget’s sentiments, expressing his excitement about the future. “The meeting of our two stables will be official from January 1, 2025. I am convinced that the meeting of the two stables will maximize opportunities and that everyone will gain. Together, we will be stronger, and it will be exciting to share all this together, trying to get the best possible results,” Reynier stated.
The Road Ahead
The racing world is abuzz with anticipation as this partnership promises to bring a new era of dominance and innovation. The joint-license operation is expected to leverage Rouget’s deep well of experience and Reynier’s cutting-edge techniques to create a powerhouse team capable of setting new benchmarks in the sport. The synergy between the two trainers could lead to unprecedented success, not just in France but on the global stage.
The union is also seen as a strategic move to ensure the continuity of Rouget’s legacy while providing Reynier with a platform to accelerate his already impressive career. For racing enthusiasts, this collaboration is a dream come true, offering the prospect of witnessing two of the best minds in the sport working in tandem.
This partnership between Jean-Claude Rouget and Jerome Reynier is more than just a business move—it’s a signal of changing times in horse racing. With Rouget passing the torch to a younger, innovative force like Reynier, we’re likely to see a blend of tradition and modernity that could redefine the sport. The stakes are high, and the potential is immense. As these two giants prepare to join forces, the racing community waits with bated breath to see how this dynamic duo will reshape the future of the industry.
