In a year marked by significant retirements, Pascal Bary concluded an illustrious 44-year career in horse training, earning a legacy synonymous with Classic success. Known for his exceptional skill and dedication, Bary trained legendary horses such as Six Perfections, Sulamani, Study Of Man, and Divine Proportions. His final day at Chantilly, his home turf, saw his last two runners, Richard Feynman and Amandines, although neither could deliver a victory to close his career.
Humble Beginnings and Early Triumphs
"Maybe it's better to arrive in this sport with a free spirit and I felt I had a great liberty because nothing much was expected of me," Bary told French racing channel Equidia of his early years. "If you work hard, and you do what you think is right, you can make it work. It has never seemed like something very difficult to me and I never experienced periods of doubt."
Bary’s journey in horse racing began modestly, working for William Clout and later apprenticing under renowned trainers Sir Mark Prescott and Francois Boutin. His talent became evident early, with Deep Roots claiming Group 1 victories in the Prix Morny and Prix de la Salamandre in 1982. This success set the stage for a remarkable career defined by triumphs at the highest levels of competition worldwide.
Reflecting on his early years, Bary once remarked to Equidia, a French racing channel, that he felt a unique freedom due to low expectations. His belief in perseverance and trust in his instincts propelled his career forward. He expressed that he never found the work particularly daunting and rarely faced self-doubt.
On his training philosophy, Bary noted that he treated every horse as a potential champion. "I never focused on handicappers," he explained. "Jean-Louis Bouchard, an early supporter, advised me to concentrate on training top-quality horses for major races, and that advice shaped my approach."
A Decorated Career
Bary’s achievements include six Prix du Jockey Club victories, a feat only surpassed by Tom Jennings in the 19th century. His first win came in 1994 with Celtic Arms, with the most recent in 2018 through Study Of Man. Many of his greatest champions, including Divine Proportions and Sulamani, were bred and owned by the Niarchos family, with whom Bary cultivated a long and fruitful partnership beginning in 1987.
Alan Cooper, racing manager for the Niarchos family, praised Bary’s passion and professionalism. He highlighted unforgettable moments such as Study Of Man’s Prix du Jockey Club win, Divine Proportions’ Group 1 successes, and the dramatic Breeders’ Cup Mile victory of Domedriver. Cooper recalled that the team learned of Domedriver’s victory via walkie-talkie while stuck in an elevator, adding a touch of drama to the historic win.
Unprecedented Success
Bary’s resume includes numerous accolades, such as being the first and only French trainer to win the Dubai World Cup, a feat achieved in 2010 with Gloria De Campeao. His Breeders’ Cup victories began in 1991 with Miss Alleged’s surprise win in the Turf, followed by Domedriver and Six Perfections’ triumphs in the Mile.
Lifelong collaborator Gerard Larrieu, who managed many of Bary’s clients, described their partnership as akin to a long-standing marriage, filled with mutual respect and shared victories. Larrieu pinpointed Bary’s commitment to preparing horses for Group 1 races, ensuring they always performed at their peak.
Enduring Impact
Pascal Bary’s influence extends beyond his impressive list of victories. His unwavering focus on excellence, coupled with his genuine love for horses, has left an indelible mark on the racing world. His final Group 1 win came in 2023 with Feed The Flame, signalling the end of an era steeped in brilliance.
As the curtain falls on his career, the racing community celebrates Pascal Bary not just for his success but for the passion, dedication, and unique perspective he brought to the sport. His name will forever be synonymous with greatness in horse racing, ensuring his legacy endures for generations.