Haras du Quesnay
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Haras du Quesnay, known as "Le Quesnay", is one of the most prestigious thoroughbred horse breeding farms in France. Located about four miles outside of the city of Deauville on 300 hectares, the breeding operation was established in 1907 by the wealthy American sportsman, William Kissam Vanderbilt. Prior to and during the German occupation of France in World War II, the property was left abandoned until it was acquired by horse trainer Alec Head in 1958 who undertook a massive restoration of the facilities.
In 1959, Alec Head brought the farm's first stallion and over the years he and his wife Ghislaine developed Haras du Quesnay into one of the leading stud farms in the country with horses acquired from across Europe and the United States. The farm would be home to prominent sires and broodmares such as Sir Gaylord, 1968 Kentucky Derby winner Dancer's Image, the leading sire of broodmares in France in 1980 Le Fabuleux, Arctic Tern, Anabaa, six-time champion sire in France Highest Honor, and Numerous, a son of Mr. Prospector.
Children of Alec Head have been distinguished participants in the horse racing industry. Daughter Martine is involved with managing the farm, son Freddy was a leading jockey, and daughter Criquette Head is one of France's leading trainers and the most successful female Thoroughbred trainer in the world.
[edit] References
- Haras du Quesnay website (English, French, Spanish languages)
- Peter O'Sullevan's Horse Racing Heroes. Peter O'Sullevan (2005) Highdown Books ISBN 1-904317-75-8
