Barn Tour: Clément follows late father’s success at Saratoga

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Miguel Clément was asked about the pressure of succeeding his father, Christophe, a Hall of Fame finalist this year who won 2,576 races with earnings surpassing $184 million.

“More than you could possibly imagine,” he replied. “You have to deliver. You have to produce results.”

Christophe came to the U.S. from his native France with six horses and built a stable primarily with turf horses who earned worldwide respect. His greatest triumphs among 41 Grade 1 wins included the Belmont Stakes with Tonalist in 2014 and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf with Pizza Bianca in 2021. He died from a rare form of cancer on May 25.

Clément said of the transition, “Professionally it’s been rather seamless. Dad had been grooming me for a long time. Emotionally, it’s been difficult for many reasons.”

He recalled reading a poem recently that he wrote when he was 7 years old in which he dreamed of becoming a trainer. He seemingly has spent a lifetime preparing for the moment at hand.

Clément is a graduate of Duke University and of Darley’s Flying Start program. He had been at his father’s side as an assistant since September of 2014, studying his every move.

“I could not have had a better teacher to have me ready,” he said. “I’m fortunate enough to have the same team, same owners, same horses, same location. It could not be an easier transition in that sense. Personally, it’s very tough.”

Clément emphasized the family nature of the operation and the support he has received from his mother, Valerie, his sister, Charlotte and his wife, Acacia, a broadcaster for the New York Racing Association. He also is relying heavily on Christophe Lorieul, who has been with the operation since 1994 and is overseeing a string of horses at Belmont Park.

Clément is excited about a good number of the 2-year-olds in his care. One of his goals is to add more talented dirt horses to give him an opportunity to prove himself on that surface. He took Horse Racing Nation on a barn tour of some of the top runners they can expect to see during the Saratoga meet:

Deterministic. He will always hold a special place in Clément’s heart after providing him with his first Grade 1 win in the June 8 Manhattan, prevailing by a head. The 4-year-old son of Liam’s Map owns a 12: 6-3-1 record and has bankrolled more than $1.5 million. He likely will run in the Aug. 9 Fourstardave (G1), with the Arlington Million (G1) at Colonial Downs that same day also under consideration. “He’s been top class since he was 2. It was very rewarding to finally get him his Grade 1 victory. He’s brilliant. He’s got tactical speed, he’s got high cruising speed, he’s athletic and he’s versatile.”

Far Bridge. Owned by LSU Stables, this 5-year-old son of English Channel ran third to Deterministic in the Manhattan, leaving him with a mark of 17: 8-3-3 and pushing him past $2.2 million in earnings. He is entered in Saturday's Bowling Green (G2) and drew post 7 in a field of 11. Regular rider Joel Rosario will be aboard. If all goes well, Far Bridge may go on to the Aug. 9 Sword Dancer (G1). “He’s won Grade 1s coming from last, exhibiting a tremendous turn of foot. He’s also won Grade 1s on the lead, showing tactical speed. He’s got many assets that make him dangerous.”

Pandora’s Gift. This 4-year-old daughter of Churchill has made four starts, with a pair of runner-up efforts on behalf of LSU Stables since coming to the U.S. She missed by a head bob in the April 13 Giant’s Causeway (G3) at Keeneland. Up next is the Caress (G3) on July 19. “She’s a very talented turf sprinter, highly unlucky to lose the Giant’s Causeway by a nose at Keeneland. I expect her to turn the tables in the Caress.”

Bellezza. A 4-year-old daughter of Siyouni, she is a Moyglare Stud Farm homebred who was sent to the U.S. two starts ago after launching her career in Ireland. She adapted well, taking her debut here in the May 2 Sheepshead Bay (G3) by 1 1/2 lengths before settling for third in the New York Stakes (G1) on June 6. The Glens Falls (G2) on July 27 is on tap. “She’s lovely. She’s been training very well since coming to the states. She’s been a great addition and a pleasant surprise.”

British Invasion. He is expected to be among the first juveniles to debut at the meet, and he is among the most promising. “I’m very excited for him. He’s been with us since the beginning, and he’s training very forwardly. It would be great to see him do well. My father was very excited to see him.”

Illmatic. Steven Rocco and Adelphi Racing purchased the 2-year-old Honest Mischief colt for $290,000. A start as early as July 16 is possible. “He’s powerful, very fast.”

The barn also has an unnamed Mendelssohn colt who bears watching. “I’m bullish on him. He’s a big, beautiful horse.”