'He became a great sire and will always be an influential factor in pedigrees' - Saint Des Saints retired from stud duties at 26

Outstanding National Hunt sire Saint Des Saints has been retired from covering duties, Haras d'Etreham announced on Wednesday, and will live out his days at the Normandy farm that has been his home for more than two decades.

Sire of 17 individual Grade 1 winners, the gorgeous son of Cadoudal rose to become one of the pre-eminent National Hunt sires not just in France but in Europe, and his growing influence as a broodmare sire is already immense.

Paying tribute to the exceptional sire, 26, Haras d'Etreham's statement read: "His legacy lives up to his name, which he has carried and honoured in the best possible manner. Thank you, Saint Des Saints."

The Grade 1 Prix Alain du Breil runner-up embarked upon his stud career at Etreham in 2003 and over 22 covering seasons ascended to international renown. 

Franck Champion, who assumed responsibility for Saint Des Saints' promotion to breeders from the outset of the horse's career, recalled the early days and what attracted the Etreham team to the Graded winner.

“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 an influential factor in pedigrees."

The Martin Brassil-trained dual Punchestown Gold Cup victor Fastorslow is just the latest star to shine brightly for Saint Des Saints, whose best offspring include Goliath Du Berlais, his heir at Etreham, Djakadam, Protekotorat and Quito De La Roque, who emerged from his sire's first crop and was a portent of what was to come.

During just the three last years, including 2024, his offspring have recorded 85 black-type performances, featuring no fewer than 13 Grade 1 victories as a sire and 76 black-type performances, including 14 Grade 1 wins as a broodmare sire.

His daughters have foaled stars such as Douvan and Jonbon, El Fabbiolo, Appreciate It and Envoi Allen.

Ludivine Marchand Morin, stud director, 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...”

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