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| Staff Writer |
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In a surprising turn of events, the long-standing partnership between legendary French trainer Jean-Claude Rouget and the Aga Khan has drawn to a close after nearly two decades of collaboration.
The Aga Khan Studs announced on August 13 that all horses currently under Rouget's care will be relocated to the Aiglemont training centre in Gouvieux, where they will join the string of Francis-Henri Graffard. The move is aimed at "streamlining their operations", according to the official statement.
This decision comes just days after Rouget revealed plans to operate under a joint licence with fellow French trainer Jerome Reynier in the upcoming year.
The Rouget-Aga Khan alliance has been a formidable force in French racing since its inception 19 years ago. During this period, the partnership claimed seven Group One victories, including memorable triumphs with Behkabad in the 2010 Gr.1 Grand Prix de Paris and Valyra in the 2012 Gr.1 Prix de Diane.
More recently, the brilliant Vadeni secured the 2022 Gr.1 Prix du Jockey Club before narrowly claiming the Gr.1 Coral-Eclipse, defeating the likes of Mishriff. Vadeni also finished a creditable third behind Alpinista in that year's Gr.1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The 17 horses set to leave Rouget's yard include Group-race winner Zabiari and the promising Elbaz. They will join Graffard's already impressive string of 61 Aga Khan-owned horses at Aiglemont.
Graffard, who took over as the Aga Khan's principal trainer in France from Alain de Royer-Dupre at the end of 2021, has quickly proven his worth. His standout moment came this summer when Rouhiya stormed to victory in the Gr.1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.
The trainer has also enjoyed considerable success across the Channel, with Calandagan landing the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, and Goliath claiming a memorable triumph in the Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Jean-Claude Rouget, now 70, has been absent from racecourses since mid-May due to health concerns. However, his legacy in European racing is secure, having surpassed the remarkable milestone of 7,000 winners in August 2022.
Last season saw Rouget claim his fifth French trainers' title, thanks in no small part to the exploits of Ace Impact, who completed a sensational Gr.1 Prix du Jockey Club and Gr.1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe double.
As the Aga Khan's horses settle into their new surroundings at Aiglemont, all eyes will be on Graffard to maintain the high standards set by his illustrious predecessor. With Calandagan among the fancied runners for next week's Gr.1 Juddmonte International at York, the new partnership could hit the ground running on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Rouget's plans to join forces with Reynier signal an intriguing new chapter in French racing. As one era ends, another begins, with the sport's landscape set for an exciting shake-up in the months ahead.