By Sue Finley
It would be impossible to see 23 stud farms and 100 stallions over the course of two days, even if they were all bunched together, never mind spread out over the vast landscape that makes up the Norman breeding region, but that's the annual challenge thrown down by the organizers of La Route Des Etalons, the French stallion trail that takes place this weekend, Jan. 21-22.
Launched in 2010 before the current resurgence among the French stallion ranks, the 2017 version figures to be more popular than ever, with some truly international superstars having been developed in France and exciting newcomers on everyone's must-see list.
“This weekend is very important because it gives the breeders the opportunity to see, in a couple of days, most of the stallions standing in Normandy,” said Haras d'Etreham's Nicolas de Chambure. “Therefore, we get to see and to meet many breeders that wouldn't come otherwise.”
The goal for breeders and others is to organize one's itinerary to see as many farms as possible, while ending up back in Deauville by nighttime. As the French are both famously good cooks and hospitable, this often requires a designated driver to negotiate the narrow, twisting roads after champagne, Bordeaux and Calvados are pressed upon you. We are, after all, in Normandy.
Working in old favorites while seeing new farms and stallions is always the challenge, but the TDN staff will once again brush up on our French language and geography (and our manual transmission skills), and try to make all of the highlights, which this year include:
Haras de la Cauviniere, Notre Dame de Courson – Home of the most expensive stallion in France, Le Havre (Ire), who tops the list this year at €60,000. La Cauviniere, of course, is also home to Air Chief Marshal (Ire), and France's leading first-crop sire Rajsaman (Fr). Situated between Orbec and Lisieux in Calvados, it sits on 230 hectares of land and is a lovely example of classic Pays d'Auge architecture and style. Last year, we were lucky enough to view Le Havre while his breeder, Maja Sundstrom, accompanied by her daughter Anna, owner of Coulonces Consignment, was visiting him.
La Cauviniere's Mathieu Alex said that the Sundstroms were among 400 visitors who turned up last year. “Most of them are breeders, but we also welcome racing fans looking for a photograph with Le Havre,” he said with a smile. “It is a very enjoyable weekend as you meet a lot of people sharing the same passion. We feel privileged to stand two stallions that have produced Group 1 winners in 2016 (Le Havre and Air Chief Marshal) and the 2016 first-crop leading sire in Rajsaman.”
“La Route des Etalons is a great idea and has been very successful,” he said. “It is important to welcome the breeders on the farm and spend some time giving them useful information on each stallion. Some breeders will decide on their matings during la Route des Etalons.”
Haras d'Etreham, Etreham – Now that he is the sire of the European champion Almanzor (Fr), no doubt Wootton Bassett (GB) will draw admirers who overlooked him last year, but that's just one reason to visit one of France's loveliest farms, located just off Omaha Beach.
De Chambure said it's a pleasure to open the farm's doors every year, “especially when you have a new stallion, and a good-looking one.” Etreham's new stallion this year is the Australian import Scissor Kick (Aus), shuttling to France after covering his first book at Arrowfield last season. “We are very excited about Scissor Kick and we are hoping for a lot of visitors. But some people also like to come to visit some of the older boys like Poliglote (GB), Saint des Saints (Fr) or Elusive City. And of course we will get people keen to rediscover Wootton Bassett (GB) after siring the great Almanzor from his first crop.” With clever planning, you can fit in a quick look at the landing beaches before you head back on the trail.
Haras du Quesnay, Vauville – One of the most popular farms on the Route, judging by the turnout, Haras du Quesnay hosted 460 guests over the two days last year, about 80% of which were breeders, according to the farm's Vincent Rimaud, who added, “It is a good thing that every year there is one date when we can meet everyone before the season starts.” Bill Oppenheim value sire Anodin (Fr) will no doubt once again prove a popular attraction after siring his first good-looking foals in 2016; and visitors can get another look at Intello (Ger) after his first yearlings proved popular in 2016. Other stallions on hand include Treve's sire Motivator (GB) and Youmzain (Ire), sire of the GI Beverly D winner of 2016, Sea Calisi (Fr), and still standing for a reasonable €4,000.
Haras de Bonneval, Le Mesnil-Mauger – Home to leading second-crop sire Siyouni (Fr), now standing for €45,000, the Aga Khan Studs' Haras de Bonneval holds their stallion parade on a beautiful rise of land overlooking the paddocks and facilities below. This year's parade will also offer visitors a first looking at first-year sire and Group 1 winner Dariyan (Fr).
Haras de Bouquetot, Clarbec – The most expensive sire retired in Europe this year, dual Group 1-winning juvenile Shalaa (Ire), is also the most expensive at Haras de Bouquetot at €27,500. Among his first book of mares is Treve (Fr), due to give birth to a Dubawi foal this winter. She should be at Bouquetot as well, making a visit extra special. Of course, the best part of a visit to Bouquetot is getting to see Nominations Manager Audrey Leyval's Malinois, Isere, my favorite dog in France.
Not content to rest on our laurels, we are shooting for 12 farms this year, up from nine in 2016, and are planning to squeeze in trips to Haras du Logis, Darley's outpost in France; Haras de Montaigu, home to Bill Oppenheim value sire Prince Gibraltar; Haras du Mezeray, Haras du Grandcamp, Haras du Thenney, and Haras de la Hetraie. Wish us luck…
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
