Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), the Cartier champion 3-year-old colt of 2016, will stand his introductory season at Haras d'Etreham for €35,000. Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget and racing in the colours of Gerard Augustin-Normand, Almanzor won last year's G1 Prix du Jockey Club at 20-1 but subsequently proved that performance was no fluke, following up with wins in the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, G1 Irish Champion S. and G1 Champion S. Fifty percent of Almanzor was sold to his breeder, Haras d'Etreham, in partnership with SF Bloodstock just prior to the Champion S. Almanzor was kept in training this year at four but was affected by an EHV-1 outbreak in Rouget's stable in April. He made his racecourse return in August but beat just one home in the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron.
“Almanzor has already been really well received,” said Etreham's Nicolas de Chambure. “We have had a lot people on the farm and they have been impressed by him. We have sold all the shares available and we have an exciting syndicate with top international breeders so the horse will get great support. With his race record, physique and pedigree, we feel he is a great opportunity for breeders at €35,000.”
Almanzor will stand alongside his sire Wootton Bassett, who recently added his third stakes winner when Godolphin's Wootton (Fr) ran out an impressive winner of the Listed Prix Isonomy at Deauville. Wootton Bassett will stand for €20,000, while Australian shuttler Scissor Kick (Aus) will stand his second season at €8,000. Elusive City will stand for €7,500.
“Wootton Bassett continues to produce high-class horses including Classic prospect Wootton with small numbers [off a] €6,000 nomination, so with him the best is yet to come,” de Chambure added. “He was fully booked the last two years and remains very attractive at €20,000.”
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