Jean-Claude Rouget, one of the most successful trainers in French racing history, is set to join forces with Jerome Reynier with the pair set to operate from a joint licence from January 1, 2025.
Rouget, 71, has training bases in Pau and Deauville and has managed the careers of some of the game's biggest stars, including Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winners Sottsass (Fr) and Ace Impact (Ire).
The four-time champion trainer in France announced back in May that he had been suffering from exhaustion and was set to follow doctor's advice by taking a three-week break from training. He was later diagnosed with lymphoma.
The statement read: “Jean-Claude Rouget will be absent from the racecourse for the next three weeks. His two assistants, Jean-Rene Dubosc [in Pau] and Jean-Bernard Roth [in Deauville] will pick up the baton in the meantime.
“Preoccupied with his state of exhaustion, his doctors have recommended he undergo medical examinations as well as complete rest.
“Jean-Claude Rouget aspires to strictly adhere to this advice, which requires him to step back from his professional life, while he thanks everyone for their messages of sympathy.”
It has not been confirmed whether joining forces with Marseille-based Reynier, one of the most progressive trainers in Europe, is linked to Rouget's health.
In an exclusive interview with Jour de Galop on Thursday, Rouget said, “I have known Jerome for some years and when I looked at the way he works, everything about it pleased me. We haven't been close but we understand one another very well. The idea came to me at the start of the year.”
Reynier added, “The joining together of our two stables will become official on January 1, 2025 and from then on our names will appear together on racecards.
“I am convinced that by joining forces we will maximise our opportunities and that everyone will gain from it. Together we will be stronger and it will be exciting to share that together, as we strive to obtain the best possible results.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
