Jean-Claude Rouget and Jérôme Reynier will join under a joint licence

Jean-Claude Rouget and Jérôme Reynier, two of France's top trainers, will join forces under a joint licence starting next year. Rouget, 70, who has bases in Deauville and Pau and holds the record for the most winners in European racing history, will team up with Reynier, 38, who runs stables in Marseille supported by key patron Jean-Claude Seroul.

Rouget, who has been sidelined recently due to health issues, will integrate Reynier's operation into his own starting January 2025. Reynier has gained prominence with horses like Facteur Cheval and Lazzat, and the partnership is expected to strengthen their combined racing efforts.

In an exclusive with Jour de Galop, Rouget, who won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Ace Impact last year and with Sottsass in 2020, said: "I have known Jérôme for several years and admired his work. The idea of collaboration came to me earlier this year."

Reynier commented that the official merger of their stables will commence on January 1, 2025. He believes that the partnership will enhance their opportunities and benefit everyone involved. Reynier expressed enthusiasm about combining their strengths to achieve the best possible results together.