Nicolas Clément - The Youngest Ever Trainer To Win The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Q: You grew up in Chantilly, surrounded by racing, and your father Miguel was a Classic-winning trainer. What are your earliest memories of growing up in racing, especially around your father, who was such a big figure?

A: I was born in the mid-60s and grew up in Chantilly all my life with my father. Racing was always part of the household, he was training regularly, and we were all riding ponies. It was a very sweet childhood, full of horses.

Q: Did you always feel you were going to follow your father into training, or were there moments when you thought about doing something else?

A: I went to high school and graduated with exams that qualified me for university. My mother pushed me towards engineering, and I considered it. But the passion for horses won out. After one year at university, I went to work on a farm instead!

Q: I read that at one point you thought about becoming a vet — is that right?

A: Yes, I did three months of med school after graduation with the idea of becoming a vet.

But I quickly realised it would take eight years of study. I’d always been impatient and wanted to get on with life, so I decided training was the right path for me.

Flo talking about Racing France!

Q: Before taking out your licence, you spent time in America and also worked with John Gosden and Vincent O’Brien. What did you learn from trainers like that?

A: I worked for John for three years. He had great methods, discipline, and a real touch. Just being around good trainers and quality horses teaches you so much. In America, I learned the importance of spacing out a horse’s work, the speed of their gallops, feeding, and above all legwork and prevention. All of the details make for success.

Q:  Sunday 7th October 1990 — I’m sure that’s a date you remember fondly.

A: I was 26, just two years into my career. At that age, nothing bothered me — you feel like you own the world. The horse was Saumarez. The plan was for him to go to America, but I convinced the owner to run him in France. He arrived with me in May, and once he won first time out, everything fell into place. Then came the Arc. To win Europe’s greatest race with a horse I had only just started training was an incredible feeling.

Q: Did you know straight away that he was special?

A: Absolutely. He had a natural ability, floated in his work, had a fabulous temperament, and was very straightforward.

Q: Winning arguably the biggest race in Europe so early in your career — did that create extra pressure on you?

A: Not at all. At 26 you don’t think like that. I’m probably more nervous about races now than I was back then!

Q: Since then, you’ve always trained at the highest level. In the last decade or so, has there been a horse that has stood out to you like Saumarez did back in 1990?

A: We’ve been lucky with many good horses. A big thrill is not just training them but also selecting them as yearlings. For example, French Fifteen, who was second to Camelot in the English Guineas, was very special. We also had Wonderment, who won the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, and many others have given me great memories!

Q: If you had to pick one key element to being a successful trainer, what would it be?

A: Discipline. It’s about doing the small things properly, every day — clean boxes, proper gallops, repetition, and consistency. It’s discipline in your methods, your stable routines, and in yourself.

Q: Owners are such an important part of racing. How difficult is it nowadays, especially in Chantilly surrounded by so many big yards, to attract and retain them?

A: Results are your best sales pitch, but personality, communication, and trust are just as important. Owners go through highs and lows, so it’s about building long-term relationships where they enjoy the whole journey.

Q: With the new initiative Racing France - what role do you hope it will play in attracting new owners?

A: I think it’s a great initiative which gives us more time to attend sales and be selective. The Racing Club will be international, with a mix of nationalities and ages, and we will be hosting regular stable visits and race day experiences. The idea is to make ownership fun, affordable, and community-driven and this will certainly be all of those things!

If you are interested in joining Racing France, or would just like to know more, register your interest here!

Q: Looking ahead, Flo has now joined you on the licence. She’s been a key part of your team for a while. How important is she, and the wider team, to the yard’s success?

A: The team is everything. We’ve always set high standards in terms of horsemanship and riding skills, and Frauke (Flo) has been crucial. We trust each other and delegate well, which makes the operation run smoothly. Alongside Flo, Charlotte and the rest of the team are vital. It’s very much a collective effort.