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edge, Puerari then ventured into bloodstock trading. After learning on the job, the Norman professional was quick to grasp the essentials of the trade, and co-bred, with his loyal associate, none other than Starine at the end of the 1990s:“ She had finished second at Pompadour on debut before winning straight after at Aix-les- Bains. Three years later, she went on to win a Breeders’ Cup at Arlington Park.” Successful on both sides of the Atlantic, the Zérolo – Puerari duo particularly remembers the autumn of 2012:“ Flotilla, whom I cobred with Michel Zérolo and Ariane Gravereaux, won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies that year. I was also co-breeder, with Michel, of Zagora, who landed the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf that same day. And eight days later, Morandi won the Critérium de Saint-Cloud for our breeding operation, giving us a third Group 1 victory!” Puerari’ s achievements are not limited to producing Group winners. For about fifteen years, he also advised one of France’ s most influential businessmen, Jean-Luc Lagardère, notably guiding him to buy Slipstream Queen, the granddam of Siyouni:“ I learned a great deal from this relationship with Mr Lagardère, who had studied breeding in depth and developed very rational practices. Meanwhile, Haras des Capucines was growing with clients, who are still with us today. I value stability, trust and loyalty- qualities that bring long-term results. The stud also relies on two pillars: Anthony Hemery, winner of the Leadership and Management category of the 2023 Godolphin TIEA Awards, and Jean-Charles Thibault, a finalist in the same category. Both have been with us for over ten years. I strongly believe in stability for breeding, but also in the input of youth. In this respect, we have welcomed a new commercial director, Jean-Daniel Manceau, who connects very well with people of his generation. The staff is remarkable and passionate, especially during sales days, up at 5 a. m. and working through to 6 p. m.” Like the whole Haras des Capucines team, Eric Puerari was thrilled with the € 2,300,000 achieved by lot 104 at the recent August Sale:“ We knew this colt could spark fireworks in the ring, but things don’ t always go as planned. He was quite astonishing, light and athletic from start to finish of the sales prep. He was very straightforward and radiated something special. We were confident, but never imagined he would reach such a figure … His breeder, Jean-Philippe Dubois, has been a loyal Capucines client for 30 years and was rewarded for his efforts. He had raced the dam, then decided to keep her to send to the best stallions. This success is the result of a long process, for him as for us.” But what is Haras des Capucines’ secret to staying at the top of the market for thirty years now?“ We have always tried to improve over the years, questioning ourselves along the way. The facilities have been expanded, giving more space for our breeding stock. We also welcomed a new partner, Mr Philippe Lazare. At Haras des Capucines, we love the sales, they’ re a moment of encounters with many different people. I still maintain that while the August Sale is well placed from the buyers’ perspective, it comes too early for the horses. August is a period of strong growth and the yearlings are not yet fully mature. That said, the date does allow visitors to attend. We were pleased with the way our horses presented. It isn’ t easy for them, as they undergo around a hundred inspections in just two or three days. It’ s very physically demanding.” Breeder, owner, agent, the Norman professional enjoys variety, but whatever the sales or racing results of his horses, Eric Puerari will always take the same pleasure:“ What I love most in my work are the months of April and May, when the grass surges. The horses bloom naturally. The foals under their dams are magnificent at this time of year. It’ s a thrilling period when we are preparing the future.”
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