ENGLISH TEXTS
If a disappointing reception in the market is not necessarily the end of a stallion ’ s career then a positive one doesn ’ t ensure long term success either , but it is clearly an encouraging sign . In this respect even if it is from a very small sample , it is extraordinary that the German Derby winner Windstoss should have achieved a median yearling price fourteen times greater than his stud fee . Other sires whose progeny ’ s median yearling price was significantly greater than their stud fee include A ’ Ali , Lope Y Fernandez , Space Blues and Victor Ludorum . Those retiring to stud in 2025 are headed on ratings by City of Troy , Charyn , Big Rock , Auguste Rodin , King of Steel and Bradsell whose best were 129 , 128 , 126 , 125 , 125 and 124 . It is a sign of the changes mentioned above that two horses are good as Big Rock and Charyn should retire to stud in France in the same year , as well as several other Group 1 winners like Metropolitan , Feed The Flame and Puchkine . There are in contrast only three sires retiring to Britain on the list , Bradsell , Issac Shelby and Vandeek .
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By Thierry Grandsir
THE NEW FACES OF EUROPEAN BREEDING : CLASSICISM , SPEED & VERSATILITY ON DISPLAY
The analysis of first-year stallions in Europe provides valuable insights into the health and direction of the major horse-racing nations on our continent . In 2025 , Ireland will continue to focus on classic breeding , England on precocious speed , Germany on classic stamina , and France on versatility , excelling in both quality and quantity .
Half of Europe ’ s New Stallions Are French The annual renewal of a national stallion roster is essential to replace sires that are retired , exported , or deceased . In 2025 , France will see a 6 % rotation , introducing 17 new stallions . Similar trends can be observed in Germany ( 3 new sires ) and Ireland ( 13 new sires , about 5 %). England , however , is lagging behind with less than 2 %, welcoming only 3 new stallions , according to current announcements . By the start of the breeding season , other additions may be announced , but as of now , Europe is set to debut 36 new stallions , nearly half ( 47 %) of which will stand in France . For reference , France introduced 22 new sires in 2024 and 23 in 2023 , maintaining a stable and regular rotation . The situation is similar in Ireland ( 13 recruits in 2025 , compared to 15 in 2024 and 11 in 2023 ) and Germany ( 3 new stallions in 2025 ). England ’ s decline , however , is notable : only 3 new stallions so far in 2025 , compared to 9 in 2024 and 6 in 2023 .
Classicism Is Irish Quantity does not always equate to quality , but the upcoming class of sires includes promising prospects . All 2025 debut stallions have achieved black-type status , including 3 in jumps racing , with 35 % being Group 1 winners , including a classic winner :
Metropolitan , the 2024 Poule d ’ Essai des Poulains ( G1 ) champion . Last year , there were 8 Group 1 winners ( 36 %), including classic champions Ace Impact , Mishriff , and Vadeni . Ireland leads in Group 1-winning recruits , with 9 such stallions ( 69 %) including Auguste Rodin and City of Troy , both Derby ( G1 ) winners , and Look de Vega , the 2024 Prix du Jockey Club ( G1 ) champion .
Precocious Speed Is English The aptitude distribution of France ’ s 17 new stallions is as follows : 8 milers ( 47 %, including stars Big Rock , Charyn , and Metropolitan ), 4 middle-distance types , 2 classic runners , and 3 jumpers . Notably , only 24 % ( 4 stallions ) are Group-placed or winners at 2 years old , compared to 77 % ( 10 stallions ) in Ireland and all 3 in England ( 100 %), which are also sprinters .
NEARLY HALF OF THE NEW EUROPEAN STALLIONS WILL START IN FRANCE IN 2025 .
Jump Racing Is French Integrating jump stallions into the breeding program is a French specialty . In 2025 , France will debut Carlton du Berlais , Master d ’ Oc , and Nietzsche Has , all Group winners or placed at Auteuil . Additionally , 3 – 4 flat performers will be directed toward mixed production , including jumps , representing 40 % of the new recruits . Ireland , by contrast , introduces only one such stallion : Luxembourg , a 5-time Group 1 winner from 1600 to 2400m . Coolmore traditionally reserves its roster for Derby-winning 2400m performers , redirecting others to jumps . However , Luxembourg ’ s extensive book of mares could produce nearly as many foals as all of France ’ s new jump sires combined .
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