French stallions impress the crowds on the Route des Etalons. Almost 300 people attended the open day at Haras de Bonneval on Saturday 21st January. The Aga Khan Studs’ French-based stallions paraded during three set shows as part of the 2023 Route des Etalons.

As the leading sire in France, Siyouni was the highlight for many of the visitors. Sire of a Classic winner in each of his last five crops, with two new Group 1 winners and several six-figure yearlings to his name in 2022 alone, Siyouni is a proven source of stardom. Alongside him stands Zarak, who has been top of the leader board with both his first and his second crop of runners to date and as such has been in incredibly high demand, with another full book of mares set for this season.

Joining Siyouni and Zarak for the parade was Dariyan. By sire of sires Shamardal, the Group 1 winning son of Group 1 winning mare Daryakana is from a family that combines the historic bloodlines of both the Aga Khan Studs and Marcel Boussac. Dariyan had three new Group performers in 2022, led by Group 3 winner Mister Saint Paul and Group 2 runner-up Galaxie Gold, who both remain in training with international targets in their sights.

Over two-thirds of Dariyan’s runners have won or placed, and with his 2023 two- and three-year-olds representing his largest crop of runners to date, he has every chance of providing more success on the racecourse this year.