Jacques Wertheimer
Jacques Guy Wertheimer | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Deauville, France |
| Died | February 6, 1996 (aged 84) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, racehorse owner |
| Known for | Managing House of Chanel perfume enterprise; thoroughbred horse racing |
| Notable work | House of Chanel perfume enterprise; leading French thoroughbred racing stable |
Jacques Guy Wertheimer (18 August 1911 – 6 February 1996) was a distinguished French entrepreneur known for inheriting and managing the prestigious House of Chanel perfume enterprise. He was born in Deauville into a Jewish family, the son of Germaine Revel and Pierre Wertheimer, who co-established Chanel's perfume division in 1924.
On 26 March 1947, Jacques wed Eliane Fischer, whose father was an architect. The marriage produced two sons, Alain and Gérard, before ending in divorce in 1952.
Thoroughbred horse racing
Wertheimer developed a thoroughbred racing operation that grew to become one of France’s foremost stables. The stable was under the guidance of trainer Alec Head until 1984, who then transitioned to the role of bloodstock advisor; his daughter Criquette Head-Maarek took over training responsibilities and continued to achieve notable success.
During the 1970s, Wertheimer placed Kentucky-based bloodstock at Hagyard Farm in Lexington, which included French classic victors such as Dancing Maid, Gold River, and Pistol Packer—all of whom were laid to rest there.
Notable Group One victories:
- Coronation Stakes: Gold Splash (1993)
- Critérium de Saint-Cloud: Poliglote (1994)
- Poule d'Essai des Poulains: Green Dancer (1975), Red Lord (1976), Green Tune (1994)
- Poule d'Essai des Pouliches: Ivanjica (1975), Dancing Maid (1978)
- Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Ivanjica (1976), Gold River (1981)
- Prix de l'Opéra: Mona Stella (1987), Athyka (1988, 1989)
- Prix de Diane: Reine de Saba (1978)
- Prix d'Ispahan: Carwhite (1978), Green Tune (1995)
- Prix du Jockey Club: Val de l'Orne (1975)
- Prix Marcel Boussac: Gold Splash (1992)
- Prix Royal-Oak: Gold River (1980), Agent Double (1984)
- Prix Saint-Alary: Reine de Saba (1978), Rivière d'Or (1988)
- Prix Vermeille: Ivanjica (1975), Dancing Maid (1978)
Following his passing, control of his business ventures was inherited by his sons Alain and Gérard.