Rouget has bases in Deauville and Pau, whereas Reynier operates from his own stable and the yard owned by key supporter Jean-Claude Seroul, both of which are in Marseille.

Rouget, 70, is a giant of the sport and has trained more winners than any other in European history, with Reynier, 38, an emerging force thanks to the exploits of horses like Facteur Cheval and Lazzat.