ENGLISH TEXTS
erful Glory became the biggest outsider ever to win a Group 1 in Britain- and we even got to relive his victory broadcast on BBC World News at Heathrow Airport. The BBC also highlighted the masterclass from Calandagan. Under Mickaël Barzalona, the representative of Francis-Henri Graffard and the Aga Khan Studs left champions Ombudsman and Delacroix toiling in his wake in a memorable running of the Champion Stakes. Like his connections, Calandagan is now a true ambassador for France, and we will take immense pride in following his adventure in the Japan Cup. The final major event of the weekend, or rather of the following day, was the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, run at 1 a. m. This South American championship moves to a different country each year and was staged this time at Gávea racecourse, dominated by Rio de Janeiro’ s Corcovado. Another magical racing moment came with the victory of João Moreira. Having broken every record in Asia, he declared he was“ the happiest man in the world” aboard winner Obataye, cheered on by fans in his homeland. We are truly fortunate to be part of a sport filled with such champions and passion. It is up to us to share these stories and emotions.
IRE
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WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTH- ER ONE OPENS
In 2020, Coolmore purchased Wootton Bassett from Haras d’ Etreham: a move to bring in a promising young sire to a roster which was predominantly dominated by home-breds. Winner of the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere( Gr. 1) on the track, Wootton Bassett immediately surpassed early expectations on his transition to stud, far out-reaching his opening fee of € 6,000 with Prix du Jockey Club( Gr. 1) hero Almanzor in his first crop. His consistent record of producing Stakes performers soon attracted attention and the upcoming stallion moved to Coolmore’ s base at Fethard, Tipperary in 2020. Wootton Bassett immediately justified Coolmore’ s endorsement. Whirl, Unquestionable and Twain all provided Stakes victories in his first Irish-bred crop, with Camille Pissarro a stand-out performer.“ Wootton Bassett was a great loss, not just to us, but to the whole industry,” said Coolmore Stud’ s Mark Byrne. First seen winning a maiden in late April at Navan, Camille Pissarro demonstrated endurance and ability during his two-year-old campaign, racing every month until October. Placed in both the Anglesey Stakes( Gr. 3) at the Curragh and the valuable Weatherbys sales race at Doncaster, the son of Wootton Bassett emulated his sire by taking the Prix Jean- Luc Lagardere( Gr. 1), defeating a high-class field which including subsequent Poule d’ Essai des Poulains( Gr. 1) hero Henri Matisse, Irish 2000 Guineas( Gr. 1) winner Field Of Gold and Coventry Stakes( Gr. 2) victor Rashabar.“ He was a brilliant two-year-old, racing every month until October,” added Byrne.“ He had great constitution to keep turning up and he ended his juvenile season winning the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, just like his father.“ It was a top-class field, including Field Of Gold – it’ s testament to how good of a two-year-old he was.” The outstanding first Irish-bred crop continued to scale new heights in 2025. Henri Matisse boosted the form of the Jean-Luc Lagardere with a victory in the Poule d’ Essai des Poulains( Gr. 1), a first Classic success for Wootton Bassett and Camille Pissarro added a second Classic victory in the Prix du Jockey Club( Gr. 1).“ He not only mirrors his sire in looks and race record, but he had the class to win the Prix du Jockey Club. It’ s a brilliant sire making race – Shamardal, Lope de Vega and our own St Mark’ s Basilica, who has got off to a brilliant start at stud.” In the same way as his illustrious sire, Camille Pissarro’ s success is testament to Coolmore’ s buying expertise. The colt, eerily reminiscent of his sire, was purchased at Book 1 of Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.“ He cost 1.25 million guineas, which tells you a lot about his looks and I remember when he first came out of the box – it was like his father walking up and down.“ It’ s a massive pedigree, half-brother to Commonwealth Cup winner and stallion Golden Horde, going back to the family of Serena’ s Song. It’ s packed full of Group 1 class and speed.” Wootton Bassett’ s loss may be a blow for Coolmore, but they have worthy replacements waiting in the wings – a fact that Mark Byrne sums up neatly.“ When one door closes, another one opens, and Camille Pissarro is the clone of his father.”
ECO
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