Six Normandy studs represented at the start of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Normandy continues to affirm its pivotal role in the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Of the 18 runners lining up for the 2025 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, seven were bred in this region, across six different studs.
Wertheimer & Frère Stable (represented by Sosie and Aventure)
Saint-Léonard (Calvados)
In 2025, the Wertheimer & Frère stable — uniting a prestigious racing silks and a renowned breeding operation — will have two starters in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Sosie and Aventure.
As owners, Wertheimer & Frère have claimed three Arc victories, all with fillies, two of whom were homebreds: Gold River (1981) and Solémia (2012).
This illustrious racing silks has bred horses in various locations throughout its centennial history. Today, its breeding operation includes a stud farm in the United States and another in Normandy, near Deauville: the Haras de Saint-Léonard, located in Saint-Étienne-la-Thillaye (Calvados). It is there that the stable’s European horses are raised.
Haras d’Étreham (represented by Gezora)
Étreham (Calvados)
Haras d’Étreham, based in western Calvados, is famed for having raised the legendary Urban Sea, winner of the 1993 Arc and one of the most influential broodmares in modern European breeding. Her son Sea The Stars, winner of the 2009 Arc, features in the pedigrees of three 2025 entrants: Sosie, Aventure, and Quisisana.
Another of Urban Sea’s sons, Galileo — now regarded as a “sire of sires” — appears in the lineage of six contenders (Minnie Hauk, Estrange, Cualificar, Giavellotto, Arrow Eagle, and White Birch).
This year, Haras d’Étreham will be represented by Gezora.
Haras du Long Champ for Mrs. Waltraut Spanner (represented by Arrow Eagle)
Blay (Calvados)
Arrow Eagle races for his breeder, German national Waltraut Spanner, who is what’s known as a “landless breeder” — someone who entrusts her broodmares to a reliable stud farm. In the case of Arrow Eagle, he was raised on behalf of Mrs. Spanner at Haras du Long Champ, run by Barbara Moser in Blay (Calvados).
This small-scale operation has produced numerous high-level racehorses over the years, including Ace Impact — Arrow Eagle’s full brother — who went undefeated in six starts, including victory in the 2023 Arc.
Haras du Cadran (represented by Leffard)
Gouffern-en-Auge (Orne)
Pierre Talvard, a true self-made man in the breeding world, founded Haras du Cadran decades ago in Gouffern-en-Auge(Orne). Together with Dutch partner Gerardus Beemsterboer, he bred Leffard, winner of the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris and a 2025 Arc contender.
Leffard is owned by Gérard Augustin-Normand, in partnership with Antonio Caro. As is often the case with this Normandy-rooted ownership group, the colt is named after a local town — in this case, Leffard in Calvados.
Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget in Pau, Leffard completed part of his race preparation at the Deauville training centre.
Haras de la Pérelle (represented by Quisisana)
Bonnebosq (Calvados)
Quisisana races for her breeder, Haras de la Pérelle, based in Bonnebosq (Calvados). Founded in 1995 by Juergen H. Winter, a German-born breeder with a strong record of international success, the stud continues to distinguish itself at the highest level.
Aga Khan Studs (represented by Daryz)
Pont-d’Ouilly (Calvados)
A contender in the 2025 Arc, Daryz runs in the legendary colours of his breeder, the Aga Khan Studs. These silks have won the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe seven times, six of those with homebreds: Zarkava (2008), Dalakhani (2003), Sinndar (2000), Akiyda (1982), Saint Crespin (1959), and Migoli (1948).
Horses bred under His Highness the Aga Khan’s name have been raised at various studs across multiple countries. Today, the Aga Khan Studs operate in both France and Ireland.
In Normandy, their bases include the renowned Haras de Bonneval and Haras de Saint-Crespin (in Saint-Crespin, Calvados), as well as Haras d’Ouilly and Haras de Tupot, both located in Pont-d’Ouilly (Calvados). In Ireland, they are based at Gilltown Stud.
QREC, the official partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The QREC was established in the early 1960s before achieving official recognition in 1975. It is mandated with representing, promoting and advancing equine and equestrian initiatives, from grassroots programmes to the international arena. Focused on equestrian sport and horse welfare, the QREC is dedicated to promoting Qatar as a world class hub for horse racing and a leader in the Pure Arabian breed.
The QREC works in collaboration with local bodies dedicated to achieving excellence in planning, regulation and the development of Qatar’s racing industry to reflect the world's best practices. The QREC has been partner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe since 2008, and from 2022, it also became the title partner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, one of the most important races for the selection of the breed.