The New York Racing Association (NYRA) celebrated an exceptional year in horse racing by interviewing key figures like trainers, owners, and jockeys to capture their reflections on the memorable season.
In June, trainer Miguel Clement achieved his first Grade 1 (G1) victory shortly after the passing of his father, Christophe Clement, a legendary New York trainer with over 2,500 wins and $184 million in earnings. Since then, Miguel’s family has united to support him in leading the stable, which has flourished with 302 starts, 59 wins—including 19 stakes wins—and over $7 million in prize money by December 10. The stable’s standout horse, Deterministic, brought home victories in the G1 Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes at Saratoga on June 8, the G1 FanDuel Forster Dave on August 2, and the G2 Fort Marcy Stakes at Belmont Park in May, marking Miguel’s first top-tier wins.
Reflecting on his breakthrough, 34-year-old Miguel emphasized the vital role of his family—his wife Acacia, mother Valerie, and sister Charlotte—in providing unwavering support. He expressed pride in continuing his father’s legacy, noting how the stable carried on with familiar staff and loyal owners, resulting in a robust season despite personal challenges.
Miguel highlighted the stable’s achievement in maintaining strong performances from older horses, including six-year-olds winning prestigious races and earning substantial prize money, alongside promising success with two-year-olds. He underscored the importance of patience and maturity in training young horses, aiming to nurture them carefully toward race readiness.
While the stable has traditionally been known for turf success, Miguel noted their significant and growing presence on dirt tracks, pointing to the diverse European bloodlines shaping their roster. Long-term relationships with owners such as Robert Evans and Moyglare Stud Farm have been crucial, as has the dedication of trusted staff like Christophe Lorieure, who has been with the stable since 1994 and played a pivotal role during the transition.
Looking ahead, Miguel aims to build on this year’s momentum, targeting a first Breeders’ Cup victory and continuing to enhance the stable’s competitive edge. Throughout, his family remains central to his success, providing emotional and practical support that fuels his passion. He also reflects on valuable lessons from his father about consistency, humility, and the importance of hard work in the unpredictable world of horse racing.
Fan Take: This story highlights the resilience and dedication behind the scenes in horse racing, showing how family, tradition, and teamwork drive success. For fans, it underscores the human element that makes the sport compelling and signals promising growth as emerging talent and established champions continue to elevate the racing landscape.
