ENGLISH TEXTS training in France , and the remaining quarter goes to England when we believe their physique , pedigree or skills align better with the British program . It ’ s only at a later stage that we decide whether to send them to Qatar or sell them . We aim to maintain a set number of horses within Al Shaqab Racing ’ s structure . Every year , we need to make room for the two-year-olds . The Sheikh has set specific criteria and it ’ s our job to organize accordingly .
G . What has been your greatest success since the stud farm was established ?
B . J . Without a doubt , Al Hakeem ! He was born and raised at the stud . He won the Prix Guillaume d ’ Ornano ( Gr . 2 ), the Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club ( Gr . 3 ) and the Prix de Suresnes ( Listed ). He also won as a two-year-old and finished fourth in both the Qatar Jockey Club ( Gr . 1 ) and the Qatar Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe ( Gr . 1 ). He is starting his stallion career this year at Haras de Bouquetot .
PUREBRED ARABIAN HORSES ( PSAR )
G . How many Purebred Arabians do you have in France ?
B . J . We have about 50 broodmares , with roughly the same number of foals born each year . The entire stock is mainly based in the western and southwestern regions of France . For the breeding operation , the horses are located at Haras du Berlais , Haras du Grand Courgeon , Haras de Thouars , and Haras de Saubouas . There are approximately 200 Purebred Arabians in France .
G . What goals and strategies do you apply for PSAR foals born in France ?
B . J . The strategy is relatively similar to that of the thoroughbreds : to breed and raise champions . Again , all Purebred Arabians are raised to race in France , and only at a later stage do we decide whether to send them to Qatar to race or sell them . We also breed some Purebred Arabians born and raised in Qatar to compete locally .
G . What criteria do you use to select horses for training in Qatar ?
B . J . There are about 30 Purebred Arabians in training in Qatar . Mohamed Al Mansour and Jean de Mieulle discuss and choose the horses to send there . Various criteria are considered , such as their suitability for dirt and fast turf tracks , distance preferences , the layout of the racetrack and the racing program in Doha .
PAGE 94 Al Hakeem during the Prix Guillaume d ’ Ornano in 2022 . © Zuzanna Lupa
PAGE 95 Al Ghadeer , winner of the Amir Sword in 2024 . © Juhaim
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FINDING CHAMPIONS
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
Nicolas de Watrigant has played a key role in securing some of Al Shaqab Racing ’ s greatest European successes through purchases at sales or private sales . Mandore
International Agency ’ s renowned bloodstock agent discusses his approach , strategy and vision .
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BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
Par Mégane Martins
NICOLAS DE WATRIGANT
Mandore International Agency
Galorama . How did you start working with the Qataris , and what share do they represent in your business ?
Nicolas de Watrigant . My collaboration with Qatar began in 2008 when I purchased and advised Nasser Abdullah Al Attiyah on the acquisition of the horse Akim de Ducor . At that time , he won everything , eventually becoming the best colt of his generation in Europe and ending the year by winning the Qatar Derby . In 2011 , Khalifa Al Attiyah , whom I was advising on horse purchases , introduced me to Sheikh Joaan Al Thani . My first purchase for him was Al Nachmiya , who became his first Purebred Arabian runner and Group 1 winner at Saint-Cloud . She then became the best filly of her generation . The following year , I purchased Olympic Glory , who secured Sheikh Joaan ’ s first Group 1 win during the Arc weekend in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère . From that moment , the journey truly began . Shortly afterward , we recommended Toronado , who went on to claim Sheikh Joaan ’ s first Group 1 win at Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes for Al Shaqab Racing ’ s silks . The opportunity given to me by
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