DEFIANCE
(3yo b g - Camelot ex Alouja)
(3yo b g - Camelot ex Alouja)
The Claude Monet Syndicate
Number of horses: 1
Cost per horse: 190,000 gns
Number of shares: 20
Initial price: £15,950 plus VAT*
Second year cost for three-year-old career: £5,600 plus VAT*
Trainer: Roger Varian
*all VAT recoverable
Roger Varian
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk. Roger Varian’s career has been marked by remarkable success and growth. Having taken over the training license from Michael Jarvis in 2011, Roger quickly established himself as one of the top trainers in Newmarket. In 2024, his four Group 1 victories raised his total top-flight winners to 28. One of the standout performances of the year came from Charyn, who won three Group 1s, including the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Prix Jacques Le Marois, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, crowing him Cartier Older Horse of the Year. Elmalka’s thrilling victory in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, added to his ever growing list of Classic wins. Not content with domestic success however, Roger has become renowned for his ability to target international races, with Group 1 successes in America, Canada Dubai and France coming courtesy of horses like Nahrain, Postponed, Sheikha Reika and Teona.
Roger’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the racetrack. In 2017, he acquired the historic Carlburg Stables from Clive Brittain and made significant investments to upgrade the facilities, creating one of Newmarket’s finest training yards. The dedicated owners room looks out on a vast outdoor arena where Roger’s horses collect to receive instructions before they head out to the gallops, which are all a short walk from this well positioned stable.
His training success has continued to grow, with Roger training a career-high 140 winners and earning over £3.6 million in prize money in 2022. The success has continued in the following seasons, with the Carlburg team not only matching but surpassing these figures.
Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Roger is known for his communication skills and patient approach to training. He is highly regarded by owners for his transparency and attention to detail during stable visits, ensuring that every horse's progress is clearly communicated. Roger’s combination of innovation and dedication to both his horses and owners has solidified his reputation as one of the top trainers in the world, and we always look forward to a visit to Carlburg.