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| Staff Writer |
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In a significant move that signals major Thoroughbred ambitions, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has acquired the storied Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard, one of Europe's most prestigious stud farms with a remarkable history of producing champions.
The Normandy property, which has nurtured 45 European Classic winners, represents a rich tapestry of racing excellence. Originally developed by legendary breeder Marcel Boussac over six decades, the farm was subsequently owned by the Niarchos family since 1979, maintaining its position at the pinnacle of European breeding.
The appointment of Mathieu Legars as director marks a decisive step forward. Drawing from his extensive experience with Coolmore and Arqana, Legars will oversee the farm's transformation when he takes the helm on March 1.
Gerard Larrieu of Chantilly Bloodstock, who manages Sheikh Mansour's racing and breeding interests, outlined the ambitious plans: "His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has in mind a project with Thoroughbreds. Mathieu Legars, who brings long years of experience with Coolmore, Camas Park Stud and Arqana, has been hired."
"From March 1, he will become director of Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard where, step by step, we will develop a new Thoroughbred breeding operation. The idea will be to found a broodmare band of real quality. Mathieu Legars is also charged with building a new team. The stud will be open to taking outside boarders."
Operating under the Wathba Stallions banner, Sheikh Mansour's current French operation encompasses approximately 900 Arabian horses, including broodmares, retirees and horses in training through Yas Horse Racing Management, alongside ten stallions.
His Arabian racing achievements include victories in the Qatar Arabian World Cup with Lahib (2008) and Mushrae (2013), plus four triumphs in the Kahayla Classic, most recently through Hayyan in 2023.
The property's distinguished history includes standing the influential Nureyev and five French champion stallions. Larrieu emphasised the farm's exceptional potential: "It's true that Fresnay-le-Buffard is a mythical place, one tied to Marcel Boussac and the Niarchos Family. The site has been very well maintained and the soil analysis is extremely good."
Plans are already in motion to restore the farm's prominence as a stallion station, building upon its illustrious heritage of seven Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winners.
Sheikh Mansour's sporting interests extend beyond racing through the City Football Group, a global football enterprise comprising 13 clubs including Manchester City, New York City, Melbourne City, and Yokohama Marinos, demonstrating his commitment to sporting excellence across multiple disciplines.
The acquisition of Fresnay-le-Buffard represents a significant expansion of his equine interests, suggesting a long-term commitment to developing a Thoroughbred operation of international significance.