Jacquinot Retired to Widden
Outstanding three year-old colt Jacquinot has been retired and the two time Group I winner of over $2.4million will be welcomed at Widden Stud to stand alongside past Golden Rose winners Zoustar and Trapeze Artist.
“The Golden Rose has become a pivotal race for a colt to win and Jacquinot scored an amazing victory with his phenomenal turn of foot allowing him to run down the best filly in the country, In Secret,” said Antony Thompson.
“It was a vintage renewal of the race with the field including the Golden Slipper winner, the Blue Diamond winner and the Champagne Stakes winner, while fourth placed Golden Mile came out to win the Caulfield Guineas at his next start.”
Prior to his Golden Rose triumph, Jacquinot showed tremendous acceleration when winning the Group III McNeil stakes, defeating multiple Group 2 winner and $1m earner Aft Cabin by a length and a half. One of four Group victories during a stellar three year-old season for the striking bay.
Jacquinot was bred and retained to race by Lindsay Maxsted and partners and was secured for stud duties during his racing career by Widden Stud, Trilogy Racing, Qatar Bloodstock and a notable line up of partners, all of whom are thrilled to continue their association with the horse as he embarks on his stud career.
Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, Jacquinot was a brilliant debut winner on Boxing Day and finished third in the Group I MRC Blue Diamond, but while some slick juveniles peak early and go no further, Jacquinot grew and developed with every preparation.
“Jacquinot had speed, soundness, temperament and genuine Group One ability. His pedigree is excellent and most importantly he had what all good stud colts have – tenacity,” said Mick Price.
“He was without a doubt one of the dominant colts of his generation – in an elite class!” agreed Michael Kent Jnr.
As an autumn three year-old, Jacquinot took on the elite older WFA horses in the Group I MRC CF Orr Stakes (1400m) and emerged triumphant, downing a stellar field featuring Group I winners Mr Brightside, I’m Thunderstruck, Tuvalu, Aegon, Western Empire and Callsign Mav.
Jockey Damian Lane commented: “Jacquinot is a star colt who has a big engine. He has a great temperament and could sustain a long burst of speed which only the best can do. Looking forward to see him pass that on to his progeny.”
He is the only Australian bred WFA winning three year-old to go to stud this spring, with past three year-old winners of the Orr Stakes including sensational sires Redoute’s Choice and All Too Hard.
“Beating your own age group is one thing, but beating older horses at WFA in G1 competition is the mark of an exceptional colt,” said Thompson.
“His rate of improvement from preparation to preparation reflected his talent, temperament and trainability, which we hope to see in his offspring.”
Jacquinot has a very similar race and pedigree profile to Zoustar, who won the Golden Rose in 2013 and has been a superstar for Widden with progeny earnings in excess of $78million, 35 stakes-winners, 5 individual Group I winners and seven individual million dollar yearlings in the sales ring this year.
Combining the blood of champion sires Encosta de Lago and Redoute’s Choice, with Golden Slipper winner Pierro another powerful influence in his pedigree, Jacquinot has the very best of Australian bloodlines.
His fee has been set at $ 33,000 inc. GST.
