Proposal for French trainers to hold joint-licence ‘just wasn’t viable’.
The much-anticipated merger between two of French racing’s leading trainers, Jean-Claude Rouget and Jerome Reynier, will no longer proceed. Rouget, Europe’s most successful trainer by numbers and a two-time Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-winning trainer with Sottsass (2020) and Ace Impact (2023), had planned to join forces with Marseille-based Reynier from the start of next year.
Reynier, who has established a strong reputation with stars like Dubai Turf champion Facteur Cheval and Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Lazzat, confirmed that the merger was simply "not viable" due to logistical and financial challenges.
"It's not going to go ahead, it just wasn't viable," Reynier said. "We tried to put everything in place but it was too much of a nightmare to organise."
While Rouget has stepped back from racecourse appearances due to ill health, Reynier will continue to expand his own operations, with plans to establish a satellite yard near Paris. Despite the failed merger, Reynier remains positive about his independent future, stating that he is happy training in the south of France while preparing for further growth.
This decision allows both trainers to focus on their respective operations while maintaining their prominence in French and international racing.
