ENGLISH TEXTS
Watrigant and Christophe Clément . In February 2023 , I joined the Haras de Montaigu under the direction of Aliette and Sybille . My goal was to bring something new to the family structure by focusing on commercial development . I am the sixth generation to work at the stud farm .
G : What inspires you most about your parents ’ or family ’ s achievements ?
EDC : My grandmother developed a lineage that produced a Derby d ’ Epsom winner through Wings of Eagles . That is a remarkable accomplishment . It motivates me to develop other bloodlines by acquiring new fillies or broodmares . Winning major races with horses bred at the stud farm is the ultimate achievement .
G : One quality and one flaw you inherited from your parents ?
EDC : My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic , which is an essential quality . However , I can be overly perfectionist at times . I want everything to be perfect , which puts a lot of pressure on the team .
G : How do you balance tradition and innovation ?
EDC : Tradition plays a significant role at the stud farm . It is upheld by Aliette and Sybille , while I try to introduce new ideas and practices . For example , we have improved communication with clients by providing updates more regularly .
G : What would be your ideal pairing in 2025 within your breeding program ?
EDC : I ’ d like to use Wotton Bassett with one of our top mares . But nothing is decided yet ( laughs ).
G : What is your dream ?
EDC : Winning the Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe ! And also succeeding at major events like Royal Ascot and the Breeders ’ Cup .
G : Do you have a favorite quote that guides you daily ?
EDC : I don ’ t have a specific quote , but I live by the mindset : Positive attracts positive !
G : What is your outlook on the breeding market and its key challenges for 2025 ? What is the role for young people ?
EDC : The market is highly selective . The high-end segment thrives , while the middle and lower ends are more challenging . It ’ s crucial to tailor pairings , avoid overextending , and not overpay for mares . Constantly reassessing , selecting , reinvesting , and collaborating with agencies to position horses in the right catalog is essential . To stay at the top , you must keep adapting . In France , it ’ s becoming increasingly difficult for young people . There are more opportunities abroad . Greater trust is placed in young individuals overseas , regardless of age .
G : How do you address ecological challenges as a breeder ?
EDC : You must adapt . In breeding , ecology is vital . We also comply with numerous regulations . For instance , we replant hedges and maintain waterways on the stud farm that meet all environmental standards .
G : What foreign initiative has impressed you the most ?
EDC : Syndication is one of the major discoveries I made during my travels abroad . I learned a lot about it and am trying to create syndicates or partnerships in my activities . It helps reduce costs while accessing better stallions or top-quality mares .
G : What technological tools do you use daily ?
EDC : At sales , we use Team Sales , which allows us to access more information and share it with our clients .
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MARC-ANTOINE LUCAS
Galorama : What is your background , and how is the family transition unfolding ?
M . A . Lucas : Throughout my childhood , I wanted to be a jockey . One day , Robert Collet was visiting us and I must have been about fifteen . He said “ You ’ ll never do this job ; you don ’ t have the build for it .” So , I continued my studies and joined the army at 19 , where I served as a paratrooper for five years . I returned to Haras du Berlais and resumed my studies . I started as an employee , learning every role . I needed to prove that I had the skills and could eventually take over the stud farm . The transition is happening quite naturally . My father trained me , and I listen to him a lot . We exchange ideas frequently , especially about genetics and our bloodlines . I still have much to prove , and he ’ ll always remain my idol .
G : What inspires you most about your parents ’ or family ’ s achievements ?
MAL : He started with nothing in the horse industry and managed to build a bloodline . Despite having a small herd , he ’ s achieved excellent results . From what I know , the first mare he bought , Chica Bonita , was with the help of my grandmother , as he didn ’ t have the funds himself .
G : One quality and one flaw you inherited from your parents ?
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