'After six seasons of shuttling it is logical for us to accept the offer from Cambridge Stud' - Almanzor to remain in New Zealand

Haras d’Etreham have announced that Almanzor will not be returning to France, but instead remaining in the southern hemisphere at Cambridge Stud.

The Tamahere-based stud have acquired the full breeding rights to the son of Wootton Bassett, who has sired 24 stakes winners in total, headed by Sydney Cup winner Circle Of Fire and Victoria Derby winner Manzoice.

“We have experienced an emotional ride with Almanzor, and he has been the symbol of a new dynamic within the stud, both from a breeding and stallion perspective,” said Nicolas de Chambure, Haras d'Etreham's executive director, in a statement on Tuesday.

“His victory in the 2016 Prix du Jockey Club represented a major exploit and a great joy for the whole Etreham team. A magnificent individual, he immediately appealed to Jean-Claude Rouget who purchased him as a yearling for more than 16 times the stud fee of his sires. 

Almanzor: "His victory in the 2016 Prix du Jockey Club represented a major exploit and a great joy for the whole Etreham team"Credit: Haras d'Etreham

"Thanks to his exceptional performances, Almanzor remains the best son of Wootton Bassett.

"After six seasons of shuttling it is logical for us to accept the offer from Cambridge Stud, which will allow the stallion to remain in the hemisphere where he is the most successful. 

"We wish them continued success for the future, and we would like to express our thanks to all the shareholders and breeders who have supported Almanzor during his covering seasons at Etreham.”

Almanzor will stand for a fee of NZ$30,000 (£14,000/€16,800) in 2024, down from NZ$50,000 in 2023.

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