Haras de Jardy

Haras de Jardy was a Thoroughbred horse breeding operation established in 1890 in Marnes-la-Coquette France by the prominent French statesman and horseman Edmond Blanc (1856-1920). The farm became home to many important stallions including one of the leading sires in France and English Triple Crown Champion, Flying Fox as well as others such as Winkfield's Pride, Val d'Or, Ajax I, Teddy and Coaltown.

Haras de Jardy would gain such a reputation that it was visited by horse owner/breeders from around the world including King Edward VII in 1905, Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and Nikita Khrushchev in 1961.

After Edmond Blanc's death in 1920, his wife operated the business. In 1920/21, her horse Ksar scored back-to-back wins in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and standing at stud at Haras de Jardy was the leading sire in France in 1931. The property was eventually sold to Marcel Boussac who would own it until his death in 1980 after which it became the property of the government of France. Today, it is a public park with a golf course and home to the largest equestrian center in France.

References

* [http://www.haras-de-jardy.com/ Official Website and history for Haras de Jardy Equestrian Center] (French language)
* [http://www.france-galop.com/courses/ency104.htm Profile of Edmond Blanc] (French language)
* [http://fr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Haras_de_Jardy Wikipedia page about Haras de Jardy (French language)]