ENGLISH TEXTS
established in France and one of the few such operations in Europe . The stud has quickly risen among the elite , ranking third in the 2024 breeders ’ standings with its thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians . Haras de Bouquetot boasts a soughtafter stallion roster for thoroughbreds , with its latest addition being Al Hakeem , a Group winner ranked among the top three Siyouni by rating , who was born and raised at the stud . The operation also features a premier Purebred Arabian breeding program , long represented by the world ’ s top stallion Dahess , and more recently by his sensational son Al Mourtajez . His progeny excel in top-tier Group 1 races across Europe , including the historic Triple Crown winner Al Ghadeer , who is on track to achieve an unprecedented double .
� PAGE 92
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
By Cécile Adonias
BENOIT JEFFROY
Stud Manager and Al Shaqab Racing Bloodstack Advisor
Galorama . When was the stud farm established and who owns it ?
Benoit Jeffroy . The stud farm was initially created in the 1960s by an American , Alec Weissweiller . In August 2012 , His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani acquired it . The stud covers a total area of 120 hectares , with 70 hectares of usable pasture . The Sheikh wanted a location close to Paris and Deauville . The operation was originally intended to start with around 20 broodmares and be a “ small personal venture “ for his enjoyment . Al Shaqab Racing did not yet exist at that time .
G . Why invest in France rather than another country ?
B . J . There are several reasons , such as the fact that the Sheikh studied at Saint-Cyr . He is a Francophile , which naturally created an affinity . There is also a broader investment program by Qatar in France , which includes the equine industry . It ’ s important to recognize the benefit this brings to France . The capital is invested here and generates an entire local economy , including jobs and various services . It ’ s a real boost to the industry . The Sheikh also quickly realized the advantage of breeding in France due to the owners ’ and breeders ’ premium systems . It makes more sense to breed and race in France than in other European countries . Every investment counts nowadays .
G . What goals and ambitions are pursued through the creation of this stud farm ?
B . J . The strategy has been developed gradually based on the Sheikh ’ s investments . From 2012 to 2013 , there were only 4 mares at the stud , with the primary focus on construction and developing the infrastructure : barns , paddocks , roads , a breeding station and housing . From 2016 to 2017 , we entered a development phase , reaching an average of 45 to 55 broodmares , with the development of a dedicated team to manage the operation . Additionally , there were several acquisitions of yearlings and racehorses in training , such as Olympic Glory , Toronado and Trêve . The breeding and stallion operations expanded progressively thanks to thrilling ontrack results . The stallion operation was established in 2015 with the arrival of Style Vendôme and Planteur . We aim to introduce a new stallion to breeders every year . In 2018 , we brought in five new stallions : Zelzal , Al Wukair , Ectot , Brametot and Toronado . The stud farm quickly became too small , so we acquired the Mezeray annex in 2016 , now known as Haras de Livarot , where most of the broodmares are based . In the medium to long term , our goal is to breed future stallions . We manage the number of broodmares carefully , regularly selling some while continuing to invest in yearlings and horses in training . Half of our breeding stock is covered by our stallions and the other half by proven stallions . We support our stallions by putting many of their progeny into training . Our aim is to streamline and develop what we currently have . Breeding is a long-term process . When a horse wins , it ’ s usually the result of 3 to 5 years of effort . We are a young operation , which is important to keep in mind . In 2024 , combining both Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians , we ranked third in the breeders ’ charts . We hope we ’ ll be lucky enough to produce a champion stallion who will take us to the next level .
G . How many horses are based at the stud ?
B . J . We currently have 220 hectares of pasture spread across both sites . Only thoroughbreds are based in Normandy , divided between the two locations . Depending on the season , we have between 120 and 170 horses annually ( broodmares , young horses and resting horses ).
G . Are the horses bred on-site mainly for the French ( European ) circuit or the Qatari circuit ?
B . J . The horses are bred to race in Europe . Three-quarters go into
176