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| Staff Writer |
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Jerome Reynier is preparing what could be the most significant Royal Ascot challenge of his career from his base at the training centre of Calas, nestled between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. The 38-year-old French trainer is preparing a two-pronged assault on the UK's most prestigious meeting with contrasting stars Lazzat and Facteur Cheval.
For Reynier, Royal Ascot represents the ultimate prize that has eluded him. This burning ambition drives everything in his operation, from the meticulous planning of campaigns to the careful nurturing of talent, which has made his stability a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Last year's Queen Anne Stakes remains a painful memory for a trainer who prides himself on preparation and attention to detail. Speaking candidly about the disappointment, Reynier reflects with characteristic honesty about the race that went wrong from the start. "Everything went wrong last year in the Queen Anne Stakes. He lost the shoe on the wrong side of the track. I mean, that's just a race to forget about. It was a bad run."
The 6YO son of Ribchester returned from his winter sojourn in Dubai in remarkable form, refreshed and ready to tackle the Queen Anne Stakes once more. The transformation in the horse's condition has surprised even his trainer.
"He is doing well. I was expecting him to be very tired from the journey, from the races, from winter in the Middle East. But he came back in perfect shape. He's training well. He's still pleased with his look, and we're happy. A happy horse is a good horse," Reynier explains with evident satisfaction.
Facteur Cheval finished sixth in his second tilt at the Dubai Turf as defending champion. Still, Reynier sees plenty of positives from the performance against a quality international field that included Romantic Warrior and other Group One winners. The experience has given Reynier confidence that his star can compete with the world's elite.
The trainer's plans for his globetrotter are ambitious yet realistic. "Both the Queen Anne and the Prince of Wales's Stakes. We will be deciding depending on the weather, the ground, the opposition, everything we will see," he reveals, demonstrating the tactical flexibility that has become his hallmark.
Looking beyond Royal Ascot, Reynier has mapped out an exciting summer campaign for Facteur Cheval. The Sussex Stakes at Goodwood remains a favoured target, a race where the horse has already proven his credentials with a memorable second-place finish behind Paddington.
"He's been running in the Sussex Stakes two years in a row, and maybe we can aim for this race again. He doesn't have that many options during the summer. I'd like to know if he stays at a mile and a quarter. We could try him in the Irish Champion Stakes, one race. He could be well-suited because he's consistent. He likes left-handed courses, and it is a left-handed course. So why not?"
The prospect of another Dubai winter campaign remains tantalising despite the disappointing sixth-place finish in his most recent Dubai Turf attempt. Reynier sees reason for optimism in what appeared to be a below-par performance.
"That's a pretty big call. But, obviously he's been spending a long time in Dubai. He loves this place. He's been running well twice in Dubai. Even this year, even if he's only six, he ran pretty well. And even if he finished sixth, it was a good run because he missed the break. He was far back, and it was hard to come back and catch up with Romantic Warrior and the others."
The trainer remains optimistic about future Dubai ventures, emphasising the horse's affinity for the venue and their proven track record there. "It was busy. He's a lovely horse, and if he's in good shape, safe and sound, we can give him a go and try again. We've been very successful by trying many times. So, he will do the same as the first year; maybe come only for the race."
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While Facteur Cheval represents proven Group One quality, Lazzat embodies pure potential and explosive speed. The 4YO son of Territories has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting sprint prospects, unbeaten on straight courses and seemingly improving with every outing.
Lazzat made a decent set of Listed rivals look inferior when sweeping to success in the Prix Savanne over six furlongs, confirming that his Royal Ascot target will be the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. His dominance was emphatic, with Cristian Demuro coasting along in front before letting the favourite open in the final two furlongs to run out the winner by five and a half lengths.
"He's going to Royal Ascot for the Jubilee Stakes on the 21st. And it's exciting to win. He's unbeaten on straight courses. He won Chantilly, the Maurice de Gheest three times, and the other day in Deauville, which was very exciting. So now we try to maintain this unbeaten record on straight courses," Reynier explains with evident satisfaction about his sprint star's remarkable consistency.
Targeting the Jubilee Stakes represents a return to Lazzat's optimum trip after longer-distance experiments. Reynier has recognised that six furlongs represents the horse's sweet spot following trials over seven and a half furlongs and a mile.
"After that, he will probably run in July, returning to the Maurice de Gheest again. Last time, he ran the six furlongs straight quickly and returned in perfect shape. So, I'm pleased with him," Reynier explains, outlining the summer programme that could see Lazzat defend his Maurice de Gheest crown.
The trainer's long-term vision for Lazzat extends far beyond Royal Ascot, with international targets beckoning. The Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai represents an obvious target for a horse who thrives on straight courses, though Reynier remains focused on conquering Europe first.
"That could be an option. Six furlongs straight could be a race we could be targeting with him. Hopefully, we can keep him sound and try to make him the best European sprinter. If he feels in good shape, that could be the race to target as the next step."
However, Reynier remains committed to establishing his charge as Europe's premier sprinter before considering American adventures. When discussing the Breeders' Cup Mile, he explains the practical challenges of competing on both sides of the Atlantic.
"Well, not the distance. I mean, it's clashing a little bit, the Breeders' Cup with Champions Day. So, you can't run both during Champions Day in Ascot. Because we're going to try him over the six furlongs in Ascot for British Champions Day, and if he's handling the course well and has that level, he will try to stay in Europe and be the best sprinter in Europe. So, there's not much point in sending him to California to change when he's so good on a straight course."
The trainer's philosophy is to build sustainable success rather than chase quick headlines. "We've never run him; he's run twice at sprinting distance. With the Maurice de Gheest win, and the other way, he's only won one day. Maybe he's just a pure sprinter who will be the next big thing in Europe or the world. You never know."
Reynier's approach to training is characterised by patience and strategic thinking, building campaigns around long-term targets rather than opportunistic entries. "It's incredible, we are so lucky to have all these good horses in training. We are not a big yard, but there is quality here, and I think we've enjoyed this success because we have been committed to some of these races for a long time. A horse like Lazzat had the Prix Djebel as a target for a long time, and he won it amazingly."
Looking ahead to Royal Ascot, Reynier carries the hopes of his own stable and French racing. "A first win in Britain during the Royal Ascot meeting would be unreal, but I'm pretty cool. It's only a pleasure and great to share with friends. We've been organising the French tent in the car park after the races, and we'll enjoy the moment."
With Royal Ascot just weeks away, Jerome Reynier stands on the cusp of potentially his greatest triumph. With Facteur Cheval seeking redemption in the Queen Anne Stakes and Lazzat aiming to announce himself on the world stage in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the Marseille-based trainer has assembled a formidable team capable of breaking his British duck spectacularly.