Letter to the Editor: Dean Reeves Recalls Meeting Christophe Clement

[Wandering Eyes]

Some 10 years ago, I found myself alone in Chantilly, France at a horse sale and attending the Arc de Triomphe.

I didn't know anyone and certainly didn't speak French.

France Galop had it set up for me to meet Nicolas Clement at his yard in Chantilly. For those of you who don't know, “yard” is their barn area and the yard is also located at their home. Nicolas was delightful. Showed me around and invited me to a barbecue he was hosting at his home the next day.

The barbecue was attended by the who's who in racing. I slipped into the house in search of, as they say in France, the “toilette.” Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, the first door I opened happened to be to a bedroom. I quickly realized that I had intruded in on a lovely lady and after many apologies I stated that I was looking for the mysterious “toilette.” Turns out the lovely lady was Valerie Clement and she laughed and quickly pointed me in the right direction.

A bit later while wandering in the yard, Valerie came up and introduced herself and immediately made me feel so welcomed.  As everyone began to leave for the races, Valerie suggested I ride with them to the races. It was then that I met the rest of the Clement family as we piled into the car. Christophe driving, Valerie giving commands from the front and me, Charlotte, and Miguel in the back.

Off we went. Not down the normal road to the track but suddenly we were flying on a dirt road through the forest.  Bump after bump and Christophe yelling “HANG ON.”

Turns out you could be arrested for taking this short cut but as luck would have it, we made it to the parking lot unnoticed and no jail time for me.

As we unloaded, Valerie said to Charlotte and Miguel, “Do not lose Dean. You two are in charge of Dean and make sure when we leave, he is with us.”

Little did I know at that moment that the Clements would become such dear friends and the impact they would have in our lives.

Shortly thereafter, Christophe and Miguel began training horses for Patti and me. It was through this relationship that Reeves Thoroughbred Racing began to enjoy much success at the track.

We had found a family that made racing fun. A hard-working family with integrity, class and a family that relished all the good things that life had to offer.

Patti and I are so thankful and blessed to have been a small part of the extraordinary life of Christophe Clement.

We will cherish the wins, the champagne toasts and glasses of Munity shared around the world.

Christophe accomplished so much and will be missed but we are now starting a new chapter. I look forward to watching the Clement family grow and to being a part of Miguel's rise as he becomes a top trainer in his own right. Miguel and his wonderful staff will carry on in the same tradition of those who have come before him. We look forward to being a part of that journey.

Because as Valerie said, “Don't lose Dean.”

 

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