'He's coming from a superb bloodline and will be offered at an attractive price' - new stallion for Hetraie

Haras de la Hetraie has announced the arrival of Leon Du Berlais to stand at stud.  

The five-year-old son of Authorized was a Grade 3 winner over hurdles at Auteuil last spring for the Arnaud Chaille Chaille stable, and is also Grade 1-placed having finished runner-up to Jigme in the 2023 Prix Cambaceres, also at Auteuil.

The stud's Pascal Noue said of the dark bay, who stands 1.68m: "I have been interested in Leon Du Berlais for a long time. I always liked the horse. At Auteuil, in the parade ring, all eyes were on him. He ran against a great generation. 

"He is a grandson of Montjeu who has won his stakes race at Auteuil. He will provide quality to his progeny. I'm happy to keep working with [owners] Jean-Marc and Marc-Antoine Lucas and Hubert Mauillon.

"Leon Du Berlais pleases me and will also please breeders. Above all, he is coming from a superb bloodline and will be offered at an attractive price.”

As well as winning the Prix d’Indy and finishing second in the Cambaceres, Leon Du Berlais was runner-up in multiple other Graded events, namely the Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy, Prix Aguado, Prix Robert Lejeune and Prix Rush, and was also third at Grade 3 level in the Prix de Maisons-Laffitte and Prix Pierre de Lassus. 

Leon Du Berlais has finished in front of horses like Kingland, Pistache Doree, Master D’Oc and Losange Vert.

Hetraie's news stated that his was "probably one of the best modern pedigrees of French National Hunt, with black type at all levels."

His dam, Chica Du Berlais has produced six black-type performers and her daughters, Nikita Du Berlais, Bonita Du Berlais and Carlita Du Berlais, have themselves produced black-type horses. 

He is a brother to Bonito Du Berlais, who has won 11 times including nine black-type races, notable the Prix Cambaceres.

Authorized's black-type progeny includes Grand National heroes I Am Maximus and Tiger Roll, and Irish Derby winner Santiago. 

Leon Du Berlais is free of Martaline and Mansonnien blood, among others, which Hetraie feel will help breeders.

Jean-Marc and Marc-Antoine Lucas, who own 50 per cent of the horse, and L’ecurie Hub de Montmirail, who own the other half, are said to be delighted to see him going to Haras de la Hetraie, with whom they have enjoyed success with Nirvana Du Berlais, and they will support him in his new stallion career.

A few shares will be for sale to breeders. Leon Du Berlais is standing at €4,000.

"We are thrilled to show him at Le Lion d’Angers Stallion Show on January 11, as well as during the Stallion Trail on January 17 and 18 at home," Hetraie added in their press release.

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