Francis-Henri Graffard joins Aga Khan's roster of trainers in France

Francis-Henri Graffard has had the brilliant start to his training career recognised by being chosen to join the Aga Khan's roster of trainers in France.

Chantilly-based Graffard, who took out his trainer's license in October 2011 with a stable of seven horses, will be sent the illustrious owner-breeder's yearlings from this autumn onwards.

Graffard's first notable success was sending out the Pearl Bloodstock-owned Pearl Flute to win the Listed Prix Yacowlef in June 2012. The son of Piccolo went on to add the Prix des Chenes and Prix du Palais-Royal to his CV.

Erupt became a breakthrough Group 1 winner for the trainer when he struck in the Grand Prix de Paris in 2015, since when he has overseen the careers of high-class horses such as Bateel, Homerique, Karar, My Sister Nat and Volta.

Graffard's training career hit a new peak this season, when Channel landed the Prix de Diane and Watch Me took the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in the same week.

Before striking out on his own, Graffard served for three years as assistant to the Aga Khan's principal trainer in France, Alain de Royer-Dupre, during which time he assisted with the preparation of Melbourne Cup winner Americain and Prix du Jockey Club hero Reliable Man.

A statement from the Aga Khan Studs said: “The Aga Khan's homebred yearlings born in France in 2018 will be distributed between Alain de Royer-Dupre, Mikel Delzangles, Jean-Claude Rouget and Francis-Henri Graffard, who will receive a batch of ten yearlings in the coming weeks.”

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