Haras d'Etreham, Widden Stud to Stand Hotazhell

Haras d'Etreham and Widden Stud have made a joint purchase to stand recent Irish Champion Stakes (G1) winner Hotazhell (GB) from 2027 onward. Jessica Harrington's accomplished son of Too Darn Hot (GB), who also has group 1 wins in Germany and in the Doncaster Futurity, is likely to appear next at Ascot on British Champions Day before heading to Nicolas de Chambure's Etreham in France. He will then shuttle to Widden, Antony Thompson's famous Australian farm in the Hunter Valley. Thompson said: "We are delighted to have been able to jointly acquire Hotazhell with Nicolas de Chambure. He is a horse we have followed closely and genuinely believe is ideally suited to the Australian market. "He has an outstanding racing profile, having been a group 1 winner at 2 in Great Britain before going on to win the Irish Champion Stakes (Sept. 12), one of Europe's great weight for age races and easily comparable in significance to Australia's Cox Plate. "When you combine that level of performance with his pedigree and physical attributes, we feel he has all the qualities to become a significant stallion in Australia. It's also a great pleasure to be partners with a farm of Haras d'Etreham's standing. Like Widden, they are a generational family operation with an incredible history in French breeding and share similar values to our own. Thanks to Matt Houldsworth, who assisted in putting this together." Bred by Blue Diamond Stud and last purchased by owners Silverton Hill for 200,000gns ($261,362) from the 2024 Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale, Hotazhell is out of a Danehill Dancer mare from the family of Alexander Goldrun. De Chambure added: "We are absolutely delighted at the prospect of welcoming a horse of Hotazhell's caliber to Etreham for the 2027 season. His pedigree and racing record are of the very highest standard, and his conformation is impeccable. He has great presence and quality; and plenty of size and scope. The partnership with Widden Stud came about naturally, and we are delighted to be working with Antony and his team, who are a leading force in Australia and with whom we share the same vision." Harrington paid tribute to the colt herself. "Hotazhell has been a joy to train," she said. "He's tough, sound, consistent and following his win in the Irish Champions Stakes he has proven what we have always known, he's a brilliant racehorse."