ENGLISH TEXTS man manages the interests of various British investors in France , including Oliver Pawle , who also shares his perspective in our article . According to this internationally oriented agent , France ’ s appeal is growing stronger : “ In the past , it was difficult to send a flat mare to France because there weren ’ t many good stallions . But today , behind the leading sires such as Siyouni , Zarak , and the emerging Hello Youmzain , there are twelve to fifteen stallions standing between € 5,000 and € 15,000 that I can recommend to my clients for their mares . These include young Group 1 winners with the potential to sire good offspring , even if not all of them will become stars . The stallion fees in France are generally lower than those of a stallion of the same level in England or Ireland . We can ’ t name all the interesting prospects , but Victor Ludorum , Charyn , Metropolitan , Onesto , Sealiway , Big Rock , and Mishriff are among them . Even Prince Aga Khan himself has been more inclined in recent years to stand his young stallions in France , such as Erevann and Vadeni .” The acquisition of the historic Fresnay-le-Buffard stud farm in Normandy by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan - who plans to develop a significant Thoroughbred breeding operation there and base stallions on-site - is another example of France ’ s growing attractiveness . Matt Coleman also notes that an increasing number of British buyers are seeking opportunities in French auction rings : “ Until recently , English investors were primarily the very big buyers . Now , there is also a clientele of more ‘ normal ’ people , thanks to the overall improvement in the quality of mares and stallions .” Brexit has made horse transportation between England and France more complicated and increasingly costly , prompting landless breeders to keep their broodmares on the French side of the Channel : “ I believe that , in the long run , more and more breeders will be inclined to keep their mares in France and travel less , except for the very best stallions .” This is especially relevant as the European Union is considering implementing much stricter horse transport regulations . Ultimately , it is the French system — with its breeder premiums and high prize money — that attracts this clientele . “ I always assess the possibility of having horses in France with my clients , based on their profile and what suits their horses best . For some , financial considerations are paramount , and France is then a good choice , especially as boarding costs remain slightly lower on average than in England . Other owners want to see their horses race . For them , the experience on French racecourses is probably less enjoyable than in England , although major French racing events such as the ‘ Diane ’ or the ‘ Arc ’ are fantastic .” Are the British concerned about this exodus of investors ? Matt Coleman does not see inter-country competition as the main issue : “ Looking at the bigger picture , the British racing authorities are mainly worried about people turning away from our sport altogether . Increasing prize money is a major challenge for us . From my perspective , France ’ s success benefits everyone : when a market thrives somewhere , it ultimately has a positive impact on the entire industry .”
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