Saint des Saints

 

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It is with great emotion that we announce the end of the stallion career of the exceptional Saint des Saints.

As a racehorse, he was successful on his very first outing, in April of his three-year-old season. It was at four years old that the son of Cadoudal expressed himself fully, winning four Group contests and placing second in the Gr.1 Prix Alain Du Breil.

Bred by the Haras de Saint-Voir, the stallion joined Etreham in 2003 to embark upon a stud career which would see him become the patriarch we know today.Franck Champion, who has been responsible for his promotion from the outset, remembers, “We had noted the growing interest for the British and Irish for French sires and their progeny, and were on the lookout for a serious jumps prospect. Saint des Saints, who was in training at the time with Monsieur Macaire for owners Jacques Détré and Nicolas de Lageneste, presented a very attractive profile. As a son of top jumps sire Cadoudal and out of a Group winner on the flat, adding class and speed, his cross appeared ideal. That was over 20 years ago!

Saint des Saints became a great sire and will always be influential factor in pedigrees.”

Sire of 17 Gr.1 winners including his first, Quito de la Roque, from his very first crop, Saint des Saints never ceased to produce top-level performers, year after year. Santa Bamba, who was also conceived during his first season at stud, won the Gr.2 Prix Jean Stern and was one of the best fillies of her generation. She made a major contribution to launching her sire’s international reputation. For over a decade, the progeny of Saint des Saints has shone at the major racecourses and festivals of Europe: Auteuil, Cheltenham, Punchestown, Aintree, Leopardstown etc.

During just the three last years, including 2024 which is still ongoing, he has been responsible for 85 black-type performances, featuring no less than 13 Gr.1 victories as a sire and 76 black-type performances including 14 Gr.1 wins as a broodmare sire!Ludivine Marchand Morin commented, “We are so lucky to have such an exceptional horse in our midst, with his charisma and remarkable success. What a wonderful omen to have named him so...”

Over time and 22 covering seasons, Saint des Saints has become the undisputed leader of jumps breeding in France and in Europe. He is recognised as an outstanding broodmare sire and his genes will certainly continue to influence breeding for years to come. His son Goliath du Berlais, a four-time Group winner and already leader among young sires, is already following in the footsteps of his sire who will now enjoy a well-earned retirement in the Normandy pastures.

His legacy lives up to his name, which he has carried and honoured in the best possible manner.

Thank you, Saint des Saints.