François Mathet

François Mathet ((1908-05-21)May 21, 1908 at Vesoul – (1983-01-11)January 11, 1983 at Neuvy-le-Barrois) trained racehorses, specialising in flat racing. In France he is well-remembered for being one of the best equestrian trainers in the country's history.

François Mathet
Born(1908-05-21)May 21, 1908
Vesoul
DiedJanuary 11, 1983(1983-01-11) (aged 74)
Neuvy-le-Barrois
NationalityFrench
OccupationHorse trainer

Early life

Mathet was the son of an army lieutenant.[1]

In 1934, Mathet (as an amateur rider) won four of the best French titles.

He was conscripted into the French Army in 1942, where he became an apprentice to Maurice d'Okhuysen at Maisons-Laffitte, 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's stable.[1]

He took a long time to mend, but came back to win his first Group 1 race in 1948 with Bel Amour (horse) in the Prix d'Ispahan, going on to even better wins with Tantième and Relko. He entered both into the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, both in 1950 and 1951, and Relko into the Epsom Derby in 1963.

In 1964 he took over from Alec Head as the head trainer for the Aga Khan, with whom he had many wins from Blushing Groom and Top Ville. The Khan called him the "Kaluoum" or "Akiyda", the "Sphinx from Gouvieux".

Mathet taught many other trainers, including Alain de Royer-Dupré, who took over his role to train the Aga Khan's horses. He trained many famous French jockeys, including Yves Saint-Martin.[2]

He was the most prestigious and well-known horse trainer in France, especially after his successive wins in the late 1950s and early 60s.[2]

Winners (Group 1 and above)

 France

 United Kingdom

 Canada

Legacy

A listed race called the Prix François Mathet is run annually.

References
  1. "François Mathet Prince des entraîneurs, entraîneur des princes" [François Mathet, Prince of Trainers, and Trainer of Princes]. www.joursdecheval.fr (in French). Archived from the original on 2016-10-29. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  2. "Mathet après Mathet" [Mathet after Mathet]. jourdegalop (in French). 2008-09-06. Archived from the original on 2016-10-29. Retrieved 2016-10-29.


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