You moved to America in the early stages of your career, why was that?
I had finished a spell in Newmarket on a stud and then thought a year in the USA would be interesting. So, I went out to work for a trainer in California, who when I got there, told me he had lost horses and could no longer employ me. So, there I was, jobless and potless! I asked Charlie Whittingham (who was the best trainer out there, a legend) if I could work for him for nothing as I thought I would learn more, and I did. Otherwise, I scraped together enough money to get by on doing other stuff.
Why was your relationship with Lester Piggott so special to you?
I worked part-time during my school holidays for his wife Susan, who was a bloodstock agent. I also rode out for his brother-in-law, Robert Armstrong, during my gap year and when I returned from America, I bumped into Lester who asked what I was up to. I told him I had nothing planned and he told me to go and work for this fellow going places, a chap called André Fabre, in France. So, Lester very kindly called Andre and soon I had a job!
What were the biggest challenges and successes you encountered when establishing yourself in France?
I started off with a dozen horses, then in my second year, I had 40 sent to me by Daniel Wildenstein one of the biggest owners which at first seemed brilliant! Well, it turned out to be a total disaster and I was fired in September. We had to move house, and I had to lay off staff, it was very tough, but I was very fortunate to have other owners who I did quite well for, and they stuck with me.
You've been involved in some of the most prestigious races across the globe, but which race stands out as the most memorable and why?
Unoriginal choices in the Arc and King George but there have been some wonderful days with average horses and small races too. Notably early in my career when an owner said he had 10,000 to spend on a cheap horse but that had to include training fees. So, I bought one that turned out to be held together by string. After three horrible performances and 9,800 spent, I ran him in the worst claimer imaginable in Paris. 2100m on the flat, 23 runners for apprentices who had not ridden five winners. They left the stall like a flock of snipe, four fell on the first bend, two on the last bend and ours at 18/1 was the shortest price horse to be left standing. The horse won and got claimed so with the prize money and a nice touch landed, the owner got his 10,000 back. I will never forget that day.
Do you believe that the approach to training racehorses has changed since when you first started out and if so, how?
Extraordinarily, I think it has stayed much the same. There is only so much pressure you can put on young horses mentally and physically so as in times gone by it comes down to the eye of the trainer on the individual.
French racing has unique qualities compared to other racing circuits, what makes it so special?
Longchamp is just an iconic track. You are right in the middle of one of the most amazing cities and the views from the stands are amazing. Usually, the best horses in the races win and it’s very fair.
You retired from training in 2019 after nearly 35 years, how do you reflect on your career?
If I could relive one day, Suave Dancer’s Arc win in 1991 was very special. I never even thought I would have a runner in the race, never mind a winner! There was a very good horse in England called Generous who won the Derby, King George and beat us in the Irish Derby. He was the favourite, but I thought they would get the tactics wrong, they did, and we didn’t! In summary, though, I loved horses with a proper turn of foot, and I was lucky to have quite a few of those.
Did you have any superstitions you kept throughout the years?
Well, I used to have a lucky tie until it became unlucky!
What’s next for John Hammond?
I am involved in racehorse management, notably for Gérard Augustin Normand however along with Nicolas Clement, an old friend, we are starting a new racing syndicate called Racing France. Together we have a fair bit of experience of training and racing in France so I think we can make it work. It’s an exciting venture and I hope that weekends spent racing in Chantilly, Paris or Deauville in the coming times will give much pleasure to everybody who comes on board! For those who could be interested please visit RACING FRANCE – Nicolas Clement for more information.
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