French breeder of the day : Haras de Marais, Isabelle and Nicolas Simon
The Haras des Marais was created in 1994 by Isabelle and Nicolas Simon, who celebrated one of their best victories ever when their grey Vanillier won the Spa Hurdle (Gr1) today at Cheltenham.
Trained in Ireland by Gavin Cromwell, he made it up for his first test in a Gr1, last time out in Leopardstown, in a race won by Gaillard du Mesnil. He had done little wrong before that, and the Simons’ patience with his dam Virgata, whom they also bred, has finally been rewarded.
They are used to long-shots. Who would have thought that they would breed a three parts brother to Tiger Roll whom they sold for €45,000 as a weanling last year at Arqana to Sebastien Desmontils’ Chauvigny Global Equine? The colt is named Tiger Blood.
The Haras des Marais was also the first home of Al Bustan, winner of the Gran Premio Merano in 2017.
- Copyright France Sire