 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Jerome Reynier's defending Dubai Turf champion Facteur Cheval is primed for a mouthwatering rematch with Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior as the French trainer finalises preparations for racing's most decadent night.
A clash with Romantic Warrior on Dubai World Cup night represents one of global racing's most compelling narratives this season. The Hong Kong champion, unbeaten on Turf, fresh from a clash with Forever Young in Riyadh, presents formidable opposition. Marseille-based Jerome Reynier, handler of last year’s Dubai Turf victor Facteur Cheval, is remarkably calm for a man who is going to saddle his defending champion against Romantic Warrior.
Some trainers would find the pressure of having a runner in such a high-profile event unbearable, but Reynier shrugs his shoulders.
"He really likes it in Meydan, and he's really training well on it, and he's been running well at night," Reynier reveals in an exclusive interview, exuding confidence in his stable star's preparation.
This measured approach characterises the meticulous French handler who orchestrated Facteur Cheval's breakthrough Group One triumph in last year's Dubai Turf. The 6YO Ribchester gelding has since expanded his repertoire, finishing a closing third in the Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan to test his adaptability on dirt.
With Dubai World Cup night preparations undergoing, Reynier reflects on the careful management that brought Facteur Cheval to peak condition. The French trainer explains how the Saudi excursion served as the perfect final stepping stone, with the journey and competitive race providing an ideal tune-up for the Dubai Turf title defence.
Facteur Cheval has now completed his serious training ahead of the big night, with Reynier implementing the same measured approach that proved so successful last year. While the champion enjoys lighter maintenance work in these final days, his connections report him to be thriving. As Reynier puts it, his star is "having a nice life" as he prepares to defend his crown.
This patient philosophy has been instrumental in transforming Facteur Cheval from a promising prospect to an international Group One performer under Reynier's care. Owned by Team Valor International and Gary Barber, the gelding has flourished with a carefully managed racing schedule.
A return to Meydan has been on the agenda ever since last year. With that in mind, Facteur Cheval settled at Meydan with the trainer based at his stable in France.
Managing an international campaigner from his French headquarters presents unique challenges, but Reynier has developed effective systems to maintain oversight of his star's preparation.
"Perfectly well," Reynier responds confidently when asked about remote training. "There are recordings of all the training sessions, so I can follow him daily even if I'm not there. We try to make the best decision. And it's pretty straightforward."
The trainer's commitment to maintaining familiar personnel around his horses when travelling internationally has become a cornerstone of his global campaigning strategy. For Facteur Cheval, the presence of his regular work rider provides essential continuity amid the disruptions of international competition.
"This is very important for the horse who knows the person is caring for him. Grégory Tavignot is his work rider & Nuri Ozdogan is assisting me there. It gives him (Factuer Cheval) confidence, and he feels at home," Reynier emphasises. "So, I think it's very important always to send the rider."
He cites another successful international raider from his yard as evidence of this approach's effectiveness. "We've been running Lazzat in Australia, and Frank, who is riding him every day, has been travelling with him, and I've been staying three months with him. So, I think this is the key, and it's very, very important."
"This is the key, and it's very, very important."
 |  |
Looking beyond Dubai, Reynier outlines an ambitious European campaign that targets racing's most prestigious summer meeting.
"He had a busy winter, so maybe he'll have a break when he's back home," the trainer notes, prioritising his horse's welfare. "Last year, we've been aiming for the Royal Ascot meeting. Maybe he could go for Queen Anne and the Prince of Wales if he can stay a mile and a quarter."
Reynier emphasises that Facteur Cheval's physical condition will dictate plans rather than rigid scheduling. "So, there's no rush. I mean, he's been busy, and it's like he deserves to take it easy once he's back home and trying to aim for the right race when he is in great shape physically."
This careful approach to campaign planning has consistently yielded peak performances when they matter most, with connections resisting the temptation to over-race their versatile star.
Facteur Cheval's confirmed return to the Dubai Turf aligns perfectly with his proven turf expertise.
While the gelding showed promising adaptability on dirt in the Al Maktoum Challenge, Reynier has opted to play to his star's established strengths. His dam's sire, Shamardal, has produced successful performers across both surfaces at Meydan, but the decision to target the Dubai Turf reflects confidence in where Facteur Cheval excels most.
"I think he will be better suited by the Dubai Turf before returning to Europe," Reynier confirms, ending speculation about a potential surface switch.
His final serious preparation at Cagnes-sur-Mer on the all-weather surface encouraged connections, with Reynier notably pleased by what he saw in the 6YO's workouts. The training regime has been tailored explicitly toward defending his Dubai Turf crown.
With Facteur Cheval set to defend his Dubai Turf crown, racing fans will witness a classic confrontation between two international stars with contrasting styles. Romantic Warrior with his relentless front-running efficiency against Facteur Cheval's powerful closing kick.
The French trainer plans to arrive in Dubai approximately a week before race day, giving himself ample time to oversee final preparations.
"Probably a week before, maybe on the Sunday or the Monday before the race," he confirms when asked about his travel plans, ensuring he'll have sufficient time to supervise the crucial final workouts personally.
The story of Facteur Cheval's rise represents one of racing's most remarkable international journeys. From provincial French tracks to Dubai glory, his evolution showcases Reynier's patient development skills and the growing internationalisation of elite horse racing.
As Meydan prepares to host the world's wealthiest race meeting, Facteur Cheval's confirmed return to the Dubai Turf has instantly created one of the night's most compelling narratives. The champion will defend his Dubai Turf crown against Romantic Warrior in what promises to be a turf battle for the ages.
Racing fans worldwide can eagerly anticipate this dream matchup while Reynier continues the meticulous preparation that has transformed Facteur Cheval from a talented prospect to a global superstar. The French trainer's methodical approach ensures his versatile champion will arrive at Meydan primed for another peak performance on racing's richest night.