Delmotte Strikes Gold With Kingman Half to Native Trail

In the highly competitive world of breeding and sales there are not too many occasions when one piece of business causes such an outpouring of good feeling. But as Jose Delmotte of Haras d'Haspel left the stark lighting of the Arqana sales pavilion and emerged Aug. 14 into the bright light of a Deauville evening, it quickly became obvious that an awful lot of people in French racing were extremely pleased that his Kingman (GB) half sister to Native Trail (GB) had rung the tills at €950,000 (US$1,120,523). Moments earlier his longtime ally, agent Marc-Antoine Berghgracht had momentarily absented himself as the bids spiraled past €600,000. Berghgracht composed himself and returned for the coup de grace, delivered by Anthony Stroud. But it quickly became apparent that the emotion of seeing his friend enjoy such success was a lot to take in for a man who has seen most things around the bloodstock world. The calmest man around was Delmotte, who has forged a 40-plus year career in construction and real estate and was realizing by far the best moment in the 15 years his passion has been directed towards Haspel. "It's a great result," said Delmotte. "I heard all the wonderful compliments people were paying her, that she was exceptional, fabulous. It's wonderful." With Berghgracht still struggling for words, Delmotte took up the story of how the mare Needleleaf (GB) had been purchased as part of a wider strategy. "Marc-Antoine has always tried to push me in the right direction to try and improve the quality of our mares. "And whoever you speak to in the world of bloodstock, they always tell you that the model breeding operation is Juddmonte. So whenever we are at a sale over there we always look to see what they have that corresponds to our needs that might be somewhere near our budget." Native Trail has been a powerful advert for the mare Needleleaf in recent weeks. And Delmotte even allowed himself to joke about how big he had been in his early days at Haspel. "With her brother he was already very big which is why we sold him as a foal—we were worried that later on he would be the size of a hunter! Of course he ended up eventually being bought by Godolphin and that has worked out very well. "It's a wonderful story and it is a story of friendship with Marc-Antoine." Reflecting on their 10-year journey, Berghgracht said: "It's very emotional because in this profession you have to be able to take the rough with the smooth and Jose has known plenty of setbacks. But now he has this wonderful mare producing these excellent horses and he also has the sister of St Mark's Basilica on his farm. "It is all about teamwork and he and the team at Haras d'Haspel really deserve this. I say bravo for the great work of the team there and for their ability to take the blows, the good and the bad." The Kingman filly was the only one what had originally been six-strong consignment from Haras d'Haspel across the four days, and their only horse cataloged during the most prestigious weekend sessions. Berghgracht said: "You never know with horses. Jose had a filly by Siyouni (FR) who knocked herself in her box on Thursday and had to be withdrawn. It can happen at any time. "Now he is in the fortunate position of having this wonderful mare who is from a great operation and who is still young. Who knows where she could lead?" With a fair wind there could indeed be many more big nights for Delmotte and Haspel.