François Mathet ( at
Vesoul
Vesoul ( ) is a Communes of France, commune in the predominantly rural Haute-Saône department, of which it is the Prefectures in France, prefecture, or capital, in the Regions of France, region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté located in eastern Franc ...
– at
Neuvy-le-Barrois) trained
racehorses
Horse racing is an equestrian performance activity, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its bas ...
, specialising in
flat racing
Horse racing is an equestrianism, equestrian performance activity, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all spor ...
. In France he is well-remembered for being one of the best equestrian trainers in the country's history.
Early life
Mathet was the son of an army lieutenant.
In 1934, Mathet (as an amateur rider) won four of the best French titles.
He was
conscripted
Conscription, also known as the draft in the United States and Israel, is the practice in which the compulsory enlistment in a national service, mainly a military service, is enforced by law. Conscription dates back to antiquity and it contin ...
into the French Army in 1942, where he became an apprentice to
Maurice d'Okhuysen at
Maisons-Laffitte
Maisons-Laffitte () is a Communes of France, commune in the Yvelines Departments of France, department in the northern Île-de-France Regions of France, region of France. It is a part of the affluent outer suburbs of northwestern Paris, from its ...
, still riding as an amateur jockey.
Career
In 1944, after a fall, he stopped riding horses and concentrated on horse training. In 1947 he was the trainer for
François Dupré
François Louis Jules Dupré (; 3 December 1888 – 26 June 1966) was a French, hotelier, art collector, and owner of the Thoroughbred horse breeding and racing farm, Haras d'Ouilly in Pont-d'Ouilly. He was a grandson of the painter Jules ...
's stable.
He took a long time to mend, but came back to win his first
Group 1 Group 1 may refer to:
* Alkali metal, a chemical element classification for Alkali metal
* Group 1 (motorsport), a regulation set of the FIA for series-production touring cars used in motorsport.
* Group One Thoroughbred horse races, the leading e ...
race in 1948 with
Bel Amour (horse) in the
Prix d'Ispahan
The Prix d'Ispahan is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,850 metres (about 1 mile and 1¼ furlongs), ...
, going on to even better wins with
Tantième and
Relko
Relko (1960–1982) was a French Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In a racing career which lasted from 1962 until 1964 he ran thirteen times and won nine races. His most notable win came in the 1963 Epsom Derby, De ...
. He entered both into the
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe () is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris over a distance ...
, both in 1950 and 1951, and Relko into the
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, more commonly known as the Derby and sometimes referred to as the Epsom Derby, is a Group races, Group 1 flat Horse racing, horse race in England open to three-year-old Colt (horse), colts and Filly, fillies. It is run at Ep ...
in 1963.
In 1964 he took over from
Alec Head
Alec Head (31 July 1924 – 22 June 2022) was a French horse trainer and breeder.
Head was the owner of Haras du Quesnay, located near Deauville. A descendant of the trainers who founded the English Racing Colony in Chantilly, Oise, Head's gran ...
as the head trainer for the
Aga Khan
Aga Khan (; ; also transliterated as ''Aqa Khan'' and ''Agha Khan'') is a title held by the Imamate in Nizari doctrine, Imām of the Nizari Isma'ilism, Nizari Isma'ilism, Ismāʿīli Shia Islam, Shias. The current holder of the title is the ...
, with whom he had many wins from
Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom (8 April 1974 – 6 May 1992) was a French champion Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire.
Background
He was bred by American businessman John McNamee Sullivan and was raced by Aga Khan IV, HH Aga Khan IV. A ...
and
Top Ville
Top Ville (5 April 1976 – November 13, 1998) was an Irish-bred, French-trained Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In the autumn of 1978, the colt established himself as one of the leading two-year-old colts in Fra ...
. The Khan called him the "Kaluoum" or "Akiyda", the "Sphinx from
Gouvieux
Gouvieux () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France.
Geography
The commune is served by the Chantilly-Gouvieux station on the RER D line or the TER trains from the Parisian Gare du Nord station. The town is located in the urban ...
".
Mathet taught many other trainers, including
Alain de Royer-Dupré
Alain de Royer-Dupré (born 24 September 1944http://www.breederscup.com/bio.aspx?id=2334 Breeders' Cup trainer profile) is a retired French thoroughbred racehorse trainer.
Early life
He grew up at the Haras de Saint Lô, a national stud farm in ...
, who took over his role to train the Aga Khan's horses. He trained many famous French jockeys, including
Yves Saint-Martin
Yves Saint-Martin (born 8 September 1941 in Agen, Lot-et-Garonne, France) is a retired champion jockey in French Thoroughbred horse race, Thoroughbred horse racing. He is widely considered one of the greatest riders in French racing history.
...
.
He was the most prestigious and well-known horse trainer in France, especially after his successive wins in the late 1950s and early 60s.
Winners (
Group 1 Group 1 may refer to:
* Alkali metal, a chemical element classification for Alkali metal
* Group 1 (motorsport), a regulation set of the FIA for series-production touring cars used in motorsport.
* Group One Thoroughbred horse races, the leading e ...
and above)
*
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe () is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris over a distance ...
- (4) -
Tantième (1950, 1951),
Sassafrás (1970), Akiyda (1982)
*
Prix du Jockey Club
The Prix du Jockey Club, sometimes referred to as the French Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Chantilly ov ...
- (6) - Reliance (1965), Tapalque (1968),
Sassafrás (1970), Rheffic (1971), Crystal Palace (1977), Top Ville (1979)
*
Prix de Diane
The Prix de Diane, sometimes referred to as the French Oaks, is one of the most important and prestigious Group 1 horse races in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at C ...
(the
French Oaks) - (2) -
Dushka (1958),
La Sega (1962)
*
Poule d'Essai des Poulains
Molof (Ampas, Poule, Powle-Ma) is a poorly documented Papuan languages, Papuan language spoken by about 200 people in :id:Molof, Senggi, Keerom, Molof village, Senggi District, Keerom Regency.
Classification
Stephen Wurm, Wurm (1975) placed it a ...
- (7) -
Tantième (1950),
Relko
Relko (1960–1982) was a French Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In a racing career which lasted from 1962 until 1964 he ran thirteen times and won nine races. His most notable win came in the 1963 Epsom Derby, De ...
(1963), Zeddaan (1968), Kalamoun (1973),
Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom (8 April 1974 – 6 May 1992) was a French champion Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire.
Background
He was bred by American businessman John McNamee Sullivan and was raced by Aga Khan IV, HH Aga Khan IV. A ...
(1977),
Nishapour (1978), Melyno (1982)
*
Poule d'Essai des Pouliches
The Poule d'Essai des Pouliches is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile) ...
- (5) - Virgule (1954), Solitude (1961), La Sega (1962), Pola Bella (1968), Koblenza (1969)
*
Grand Prix de Paris
The Grand Prix de Paris is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), an ...
- (9) - Northern Light (1953), Phil Drake (1955), Vattel (1956), Reliance (1965), Danseur (1966), Rheffic (1971),
Exceller
Exceller (May 12, 1973 – April 7, 1997) is widely considered one of the best horses to race in the United States not to win a year-end championship. Despite his exemplary achievements as a racehorse, and his unique accomplishment in being the ...
(1976), Soleil Noir (1979), Le Nain Jaune (1982)
*
Critérium de Saint-Cloud
The Critérium de Saint-Cloud is a Conditions races, Group 1 Flat racing, flat Horse racing, horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred Colt (horse), colts and Filly, fillies. It is run at Saint-Cloud R ...
(8) - Telegram (1949), Bingo (1952), Pas de Deux (1955), Upstart (1957), Le Français (1960), Saraca (1968), Rheffic (1970), Simbir (1972)
*
Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp
The Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged two years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,000 metres (about 5 furlongs ...
- (8) - Texana (1957), Edellic (1958), Fortino (1962), Texanita (1963, 1964), Silver Shark (1965), Farhana (1966), Moubariz (1974)
*
Prix d'Ispahan
The Prix d'Ispahan is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,850 metres (about 1 mile and 1¼ furlongs), ...
- (7) - Bel Amour (1948), Ménétrier (1949), La Sega (1962), Jour et Nuit III (1964), Silver Shark (1966), Zeddaan (1968), Lightning (1977)
*
Prix Royal-Oak
The Prix Royal-Oak is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 3,100 metres (about 1 mile and 7½ furlongs), an ...
- (7) - Vamour (1959), Match (1961),
Relko
Relko (1960–1982) was a French Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In a racing career which lasted from 1962 until 1964 he ran thirteen times and won nine races. His most notable win came in the 1963 Epsom Derby, De ...
(1963), Reliance (1965), Sassafras (1970), Henri le Balafré (1975) et
Exceller
Exceller (May 12, 1973 – April 7, 1997) is widely considered one of the best horses to race in the United States not to win a year-end championship. Despite his exemplary achievements as a racehorse, and his unique accomplishment in being the ...
(1976)
*
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Saint-Cloud over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and it is ...
- (5) - Tanerko (1957, 1958), Match (1962),
Relko
Relko (1960–1982) was a French Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In a racing career which lasted from 1962 until 1964 he ran thirteen times and won nine races. His most notable win came in the 1963 Epsom Derby, De ...
(1964),
Exceller
Exceller (May 12, 1973 – April 7, 1997) is widely considered one of the best horses to race in the United States not to win a year-end championship. Despite his exemplary achievements as a racehorse, and his unique accomplishment in being the ...
(1977), Shakapour (1980), Akarad (1981)
*
Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
The Prix du Moulin de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile), and it is s ...
- (4) - Lilya (1958), Mirna (1964), Silver Shark (1966), Pola Bella (1968)
*
Prix Lupin
The Prix Lupin was a Conditions races, Group 1 Flat racing, flat Horse racing, horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred Colt (horse), colts and Filly, fillies. It was run at Longchamp Racecourse, Longchamp over a distance of 2,100 m ...
- (5) -
Tantième (1950), Tanerko (1956), Midnight Sun (1959), Kalamoun (1973), Top Ville (1979)
*
Prix Jean Prat
The Prix Jean Prat is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and it is s ...
- (5) - Jour et Nuit III (1964), Silver Shark (1966), Maroun (1971), Lightning (1977), Melyno (1982)
*
Prix Ganay
The Prix Ganay is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of 2,100 metres (about 1 mile and 2½ furlongs) at L ...
- (4) -
Tantième (1951), Tanerko (1957, 1958),
Relko
Relko (1960–1982) was a French Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In a racing career which lasted from 1962 until 1964 he ran thirteen times and won nine races. His most notable win came in the 1963 Epsom Derby, De ...
(1964)
*
Prix Vermeille
The Prix Vermeille is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles) ...
- (4) - Bella Paola (1958), Golden Girl (1963), Casaque Grise (1967), Saraca (1969)
*
Prix Saint-Alary
The Prix Saint-Alary is a Group 2 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Longchamp in Paris over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 1 miles), and take ...
- (4) - Solitude (1961), La Sega (1962), Tonnera (1966), Saraca (1969)
*
Prix Morny
The Prix Morny is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,200 metres (about 6 furlongs), and it is schedule ...
- (3) - Solitude (1960), Amber Rama (1969),
Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom (8 April 1974 – 6 May 1992) was a French champion Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire.
Background
He was bred by American businessman John McNamee Sullivan and was raced by Aga Khan IV, HH Aga Khan IV. A ...
(1976)
*
Prix de la Forêt
The Prix de la Forêt is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and ...
- (3) - Ménétrier (1947),
Tantième (1949), Mirna (1963)
*
Prix du Cadran
The Prix du Cadran is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 4,000 metres (about 2 miles), and it is scheduled to t ...
- (3) - Tello (1959), Waldmeister (1965), Danseur (1967)
*
Grand Critérium
Grand may refer to:
People with the name
* Grand (surname)
* Grand L. Bush (born 1955), American actor
Places
* Grand, Oklahoma, USA
* Grand, Vosges, village and commune in France with Gallo-Roman amphitheatre
* Grand County (disambiguation), ...
- (3) -
Tantième (1949), Bella Paola (1957),
Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom (8 April 1974 – 6 May 1992) was a French champion Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire.
Background
He was bred by American businessman John McNamee Sullivan and was raced by Aga Khan IV, HH Aga Khan IV. A ...
(1976)
*
Prix Robert Papin
The Prix Robert Papin is a Group 2 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Chantilly over a distance of 1,200 metres (about 6 furlongs), and it ...
(groupe 1 since 1987) - (3) - Zeddaan (1967), Amber Rama (1969),
Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom (8 April 1974 – 6 May 1992) was a French champion Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire.
Background
He was bred by American businessman John McNamee Sullivan and was raced by Aga Khan IV, HH Aga Khan IV. A ...
(1976)
*
Prix Jacques Le Marois
The Prix Jacques Le Marois is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older. It is run in August each year at Deauville over a distance of ...
- (2) - Kalamoun (1973), Kenmare (1978)
*
Prix de la Salamandre
The Prix de la Salamandre was a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It was run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and it was scheduled to take place each year in Se ...
- (1) -
Blushing Groom
Blushing Groom (8 April 1974 – 6 May 1992) was a French champion Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire.
Background
He was bred by American businessman John McNamee Sullivan and was raced by Aga Khan IV, HH Aga Khan IV. A ...
(1976)
----
*
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, more commonly known as the Derby and sometimes referred to as the Epsom Derby, is a Group races, Group 1 flat Horse racing, horse race in England open to three-year-old Colt (horse), colts and Filly, fillies. It is run at Ep ...
- (2) - Phil Drake (1955),
Relko
Relko (1960–1982) was a French Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In a racing career which lasted from 1962 until 1964 he ran thirteen times and won nine races. His most notable win came in the 1963 Epsom Derby, De ...
(1963)
*
Epsom Oaks
The Oaks Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 ya ...
- (2) - Sicarelle (1956), Bella Paola (1958)
*
1000 Guineas Stakes
The 1000 Guineas Stakes is a Group races, Group 1 Flat racing, flat Horse racing, horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old Filly, fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mi ...
- (1) - Bella Paola (1958)
*
Coronation Cup
The Coronation Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards ...
- (4) -
Tantième (1950), Dicta Drake (1962),
Relko
Relko (1960–1982) was a French Thoroughbred horse racing, racehorse and sire (horse), sire. In a racing career which lasted from 1962 until 1964 he ran thirteen times and won nine races. His most notable win came in the 1963 Epsom Derby, De ...
(1964),
Exceller
Exceller (May 12, 1973 – April 7, 1997) is widely considered one of the best horses to race in the United States not to win a year-end championship. Despite his exemplary achievements as a racehorse, and his unique accomplishment in being the ...
(1977)
*
Champion Stakes
The Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile 1 furlong a ...
- (2) - Bella Paola (1958), Vayrann (1980)
*
- (1) - Match II (1962)
*
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres), and it is ...
- (1) -
Tantième (1950)
----
*
Washington D.C. International - (1) - Match II (1962)
Legacy
A
listed race
Group races, also known as Pattern races, or Graded races in some jurisdictions, are the highest level of races in Thoroughbred horse racing. They include most of the world's iconic races, such as the Derby, Irish Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triom ...
called the is run annually.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mathet, Francois
French horse trainers
1908 births
1983 deaths