Legendary French horseman Jean-Claude Rouget to end training career

Jean-Claude Rouget, one of the most influential and successful figures in French racing, has announced that he will end his training career at the close of September, bringing an illustrious chapter in European racing to a close.

The 73-year-old confirmed to Paris-Turf that his Pau-based training operation will enter liquidation proceedings on September 25 unless a buyer can be found to take over the business.

The decision marks the likely conclusion of a career spanning nearly five decades and featuring more than 7,000 winners.

Rouget’s breakthrough Group 1 victory came in 1994 when Millkom landed the Prix Jean Prat, but his greatest successes arrived during a period that began in 2009 when Le Havre and Stacelita completed the prestigious Prix du Jockey Club–Prix de Diane Classic double.

Over the following years, Rouget trained champions including Almanzor, winner of the British and Irish Champion Stakes, as well as Brametot and Vadeni, who added further Prix du Jockey Club triumphs.

Rouget’s crowning achievements came when Sottsass delivered his first Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory in 2020. Three years later, the unbeaten Ace Impact completed the same Jockey Club–Arc double as his stablemate.

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2024, Rouget scaled back operations and concentrated on a smaller string in southwest France.

Numbers have fallen sharply to around 60, but Rouget still saddled Group 1 winners Leffard and Arrow Eagle in 2025.