Alec Head: launched the stud career of Anabaa at Haras du Quesnay

End of an era at Quesnay as Alec Head steps aside

ALEC HEAD, one of France's leading industry figures for the past 50 years, has passed on his Haras du Quesnay to his four children.

The Normandy stud, which currently stands seven stallions including Bering, will now be managed by Criquette Head-Maarek, her sisters Martine and Patricia, and brother Freddie.

Criquette Head-Maarek: "things are going to change at the stud"

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker 

Bought by Head in 1958 after a successful career as a jockey and trainer, Quesnay bred its first Group 1 winner Le Fabuleux three years later. This was to start a trend over several decades establishing Quesnay as one of France's leading stud farms.

Several high-profile stallions have also stood at Quesnay, including the recently deceased champion sires Anabaa and Highest Honor, as well as Riverman, and leading producers Sir Gaylord and Green Dancer.

Most recently, Head's famous red silks were carried to victory by the unbeaten colt Silver Pond in last Sunday's Group 2 Prix Hocquart. He could now go one better in next month's Prix du Jockey Club after Fuisse's second-placed effort last year.

Speaking on France Sire TV, Head-Maarek said "Papa has decided to leave the four of us to manage Haras du Quesnay, although the day to day running will still be under Vincent Rimaud's care."

"Things are going to change at the stud because we do not have the means to keep it up like before. The death of Anabaa was a shock last summer because he helped the stud a lot and then of course Highest Honor. This will also be Bering's last year as well."  

"As a result, we are going to open things up to the outside, for example taking boarding mares and preparing yearlings that were not bred by us. We must also do everything to promote our stallions."