Wootton Bassett to Coolmore

Didn't see that coming

Did they use him before this?

I doubt that they would have bought him outright if they hadn't got some evidence that he really would do the job for them. Don't they usually just buy up some breeding rights in likely types for the Galileo broodmare band?

I think its a great move. When you are at the top you have to speculate to stay there. He is a proven stallion from modest mares. He should fly at Coolmore.

No doubt he's a decent sire but I suspect there is some 'cash out while the goings good' here by Haras D'E  - and why not.    There are no offspring of note by Galileo /Sadlers Wells line mares but maybe they think there increasingly American influence mare will suit which is likely.  Interesting if anything good goes the other way - a No Nay Never or a Deep Impact maybe.

I think you may be right Yer Ma, but my guess is he will be booked out for a few seasons at Coolmore and it's primarily a commercial deal. If he suits their mares that will be a bonus.

It used to happen quite a lot didn’t it. Kenmare, Bellypha, Alzao, Night Shift, Indian Ridge, Ahonoora were names that I conjured up on a trip down memory lane.
The French breeding pool remains a slightly different beast though so I am intrigued to see how he matches up moved into the field of high fashion.
I am pleased though as I have some obscure pedigrees that I think would fit him and that I have problems with when Danehill and Sadlers  are everywhere.
Sadly budgetary constraints will be the overarching blow one feels.

He may be even more popular now after an Abbaye winner.