ENGLISH VERSION
Prat( Gr. 1) surely remains an important moment for both men. Jean-Claude Rouget was not in good health at the time, and bringing him that victory had a special flavour. It was a very long partnership – thirty-five years! Few people can say as much these days. It wasn’ t always plain sailing, but that is the nature of human relationships. There were highs and lows, but deep respect was the cement between the trainer and the jockey.
ITW KELLY FRADE
BY CÉCILE ADONIAS
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" JEAN-CLAUDE ROUGET, AN INSPIRING BOSS!"
After completing an adult training course at the AFASEC( the French racing school) in Mont-de-Marsan, Kelly Frade joined Jean- Claude Rouget’ s stable. A loyal work rider for the yard, she started out there and only left when this wonderful adventure came to an end.
Many horses will have passed through her hands, including Puchkine as a yearling, future stars and unraced horses alike. Among them was Leffard, winner of the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris( Gr. 1) and runner-up in the Prix Aga Khan IV – Prix d’ Ispahan( Gr. 1) and the Prix d’ Harcourt( Gr. 2). Kelly says:“ Leffard is a very kind, calm horse. I could trust him with my eyes closed. Every time, he gave his all, and he was incredible to ride.” The first words that come to Kelly’ s mind about her boss are:“ Jean-Claude Rouget is a very inspiring boss! He built an empire! He had his ideas, he knew where he wanted to go and why he did things the way he did.” Kelly explains that he had a keen sense of observation and perception, both in the way he acted and in the way he looked at things:“ He took the time to ask the riders what they felt on the horse: its mood, its action, how it handled the ground, etc. Getting feedback after a canter or a gallop was very important to Mr Rouget, whatever the horse and whatever its level!” A keen observer, he paid attention to the legs, the breathing, the way the horse walked, and whether it was tracking up well after work. Kelly adds:“ and very often, he would give the horses a pat”. Like all trainers, Jean- Claude Rouget had his rituals.“ Every morning, he went round the stables and then out to the gallops. Every evening, he went round each of the horses in their boxes. He watched them closely. He took the time to talk to the riders, Jean-René Dubosc and the head lad. He’ s a very inspiring person because of his determination! He started from nothing, never gave up and achieved his goals,” says Kelly. And to get there, he was fairly uncompromising. Everything had to be spot on, but to achieve that, he knew how to advise and help his team. He didn’ t hesitate to guide them, and correct them if necessary, to pass on the right techniques. He was just as demanding with his jockeys. Kelly also explains that he was a boss who was quite close to his staff and always ready to listen. Even if he could seem distant, he was very human and always there for his team:“ he’ s a very kind person”.“ A page is turning and it’ s hard to accept,” says Kelly.“ It’ s sad, but at the same time we’ re happy to have been able to run in the Qatar Prix de l’ Arc de Triomphe and to have paid tribute to him at ParisLongchamp.” Kelly sums up Jean-Claude Rouget quite simply in these words:“ A great man, someone important, but who was always there for us and for the horses.” A page is turning for Kelly, but this chapter will remain etched in her memory and in that of her colleagues, along with the many moments they shared.
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WITHOUT BORDERS
THE TURN- ING POINT OF THE 1990S
BY PIERRE CHAMPION
# 22 – Novembre 2026 190