Wootton Bassett Fee Announced

Wootton Bassett (GB), Europe's leading second-season sire thanks largely to the exploits of the triple Group 1 and Classic-winning Almanzor (Fr), will stand for €20,000 next year at Haras d'Etreham in France.

“Wootton Bassett has been syndicated in the last few months; we have sold 20 shares in him and we have retained 30,” explained Etreham's Nicolas de Chambure. “The idea was to get the shareholders involved and to make sure we were all on the same page regarding his stud fee. And I think the horse really deserves it, obviously with what he has done this year with Almanzor. We are trying to remind people of the fact he had a fairly limited chance the first year and he's not only had Almanzor, but he's had another good filly in France [the Group 2-placed Do Re Mi Fa Sol]. I think he really deserved that increase, but we didn't want to make too big of a jump right away, but to remain commercial enough. That led us to €20,000, and he would increase step-by-step down the road if the results dictate it.”

Etreham also released the fees for the remainder of its stallion roster on Wednesday, including first-time Australian shuttler Scissor Kick (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}).

“Scissor Kick, who is going to start at €10,000, is giving a first opportunity for French breeders to use a son of Redoute's Choice,” said de Chambure. “We are very happy to be offering this horse, and on the back of what we think are great results from Redoutes's first 2-year-olds [in Europe this season]. He's had six or seven winners the past couple of months and there looks to be Classic potential the next couple of years.”

De Chambure also provided an update on Almanzor, who added the G1 Qipco Champion S. Oct. 15 to his prior wins in the G1 Qipco Irish Champion S. and G1 Prix du Jockey Club.

“Almanzor right now is enjoying a bit of a break in Pau,” he said. “He will do some light training, and we will get him ready in the spring to have a spring, summer and autumn campaign,” he said.