THERE were tears all round as legendary trainer Jean-Claude Rouget celebrated one of his final ever winners – before his yard is put into liquidation.

The two-time Arc de Triomphe-winning handler and one of Europe’s greatest ever training talents was overcome with emotion in Toulouse on Wednesday.

Two men in coats and a jockey in blue stand with horses after a race.Legendary trainer Jean-Claude Rouget was in tears as he celebrated one of his final ever winners before his yard is liquidated Interview with a jockey covering his face, a reporter, and an observer.Winning jockey Jean-Bernard Eyquem was an emotional wreck as he paid tribute to the iconic handler

He was in the winner’s enclosure following the victory of Erala in the Prix des Violettes.

She is likely to be one of – if not his last – ever winner after Rouget announced he is to quit the sport for good next Friday.

The 73-year-old’s yards in Pau will be put into liquidation unless a buyer is found.

He has sent out awesome former Cartier Horse of the Year and 2023 Arc winner Ace Impact in recent years, as well as 2020 Arc winner Sottsass.

His other major players include former Coral-Eclipse winner Vadeni and British and Irish Champion Stakes hero Almanzor.

Rouget has seen an exodus of horses under his care in recent years – going from almost 200 to just 60 – and he was diagnosed with cancer in 2024.

It has all coincided with a general winding down of his operation, which included the closing of his Deauville base in 2024.

That realisation that truly seemed to hit home recently, as winning jockey Jean-Bernard Eyquem was reduced to floods of tears after victory on Erala.

It is quit common for yards in France to be liquidated if there is no heir to continue the operation.

The official process of ‘liquidation judiciaire’ means those people who work in the yard are not unfairly punished financially.

Rouget will bow out with around 7,500 wins, making him Europe’s most successful ever trainer by numbers.

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