Renowned Equine Breeder “Excited” as Champion Stakes Winning Stallion Gallops Into the French Horse Racing Scene

Stallion retirements are a common occurrence in the horse racing industry. With nearly 5000 making the list every year, the finest of racers make their way to a newer journey post their time of grounds. To hold on to their numbers and leave behind a legacy, remarkable horses move on to become studs in the act of common practice. Today, yet another of Britain’s finest is moving on and thankfully under the right hands.

The British and Irish racing communities have held numerous excellence in their midst, popularly owning the Breeders’ Cup. However, one of their celebrated equines is now marking France as its new home. But the console of the enthusiasts, breeders Henri and Antonia Devin will find the Champion Stakes winner in their care.

The horse racing champion finds a new home

A week ago Bay Bridge was reported to have been retired from his career to the Haras du Mesnil in France. But what brought a sigh of relief was the recurring names of Henri and Antonia Devin. The duo has previously catered to the finest of names in horse racing. Now learning the 5-year-old’s next home, the owners and fans are assured of excellent services. “For us, he was the pick of the paddock. He’s a very fine horse, with everything we look for: lots of bone, great movement, and significant sire power, being a son of New Bay, who in turn is by Dubawi,” Antonia said, reports Racing Post.

Bay Bridge, who has 7 wins to his name out of 16 starts having amassed £1.3 million in prize money is set for a fee of €6,000. Owners James Wigan and Ballylinch Stud will remain partners while breeders from France, Britain, and Ireland are believed to make their way. “A lot of French breeders are very excited for his arrival as they want to come and inspect him,“ Antonia stated. She also further added that Bay Bridge has been receiving quite a response. With the colt’s record and the couple’s work with previous equines, Racing Post assures that Bay Bridge is in the best of hands.

Previous champions under the Devins

One of the earliest well-known studs at the Haras du Mesnil was Turgeon. The winner of the Prix Royal-Oak sired Exotic Dancer, Ma Filleule and Pic D’Orhy; all of whom were G1 racers. Next on the list is Doctor Dino, who retired in 2021. The colt rose to fame under the Devins as he sired 7 Grade 1 winners. Following along, his fee will mark €22,000 next year.

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Hoping for a similar rise, Antonio remarked, “I think he’s particularly attractive at his fee of €6,000.” Also considering Bay Bridge’s sire at €75,000 and brother at €15,000, the team hopes for satisfactory results.

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