Dual-hemisphere star Our Ivanhowe to stand at Haras du Thenney

Our Ivanhowe, a multiple Group 1 winner in both Europe and Australia, will start his stallion career at Haras du Thenney in Normandy next year.

The seven-year-old is a son of leading German sire Soldier Hollow, who posted his fourth top-flight winner when Dschingis Secret landed the Grosser Preis von Berlin on Sunday.

Originally trained by Wilhelm Giedt and Jean-Pierre Carvalho for owner-breeder Gestut Schlenderhan when known simply as Ivanhowe, he won the Group 2 Oppenheim-Union-Rennen in impressive fashion at three and started favourite for the German Derby, but finished eighth at Hamburg.

Ivanhowe came back better than ever at four, winning the Group 2 Gerling-Preis, taking the notable scalp of Sea The Moon when successful in the prestigious Grosser Preis von Baden and notching a second Group 1 score in the Grosser Preis von Bayern.

Subsequently sold to race for Lee and Anthony Freedman in Australia, where he was rechristened Our Ivanhowe, he won last year's Doomben Cup and defeated hot favourite Hartnell to take the Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill this March.

The horse is in quarantine and is set to arrive in France next month.

Niccolo Riva and Vita Ozolina, whose European Bloodstock Management brokered the deal to stand Our Ivanhowe with David Baker of Europeanstayers, reported the syndicate that campaigned him in Australia would retain a majority interest and support him with numerous broodmares who will reside in France.

“We are very excited about the new arrival,” said Riva. “He's been an exceptional racehorse, winning four Group 1s in two hemispheres between ten and 12 furlongs. He's an impressive individual, provides an interesting outcross for most mares and should be of great interest for both Flat and jumps breeders.”

Our Ivanhowe's dual-purpose appeal is enhanced by the fact he is a closely related half-brother to dual Grade 1-winning hurdler Irving. Their dam Indigo Girl finished third in the German Oaks.