Motivator est arrivé au Haras du Quesnay : photos, vidéos, interview
Christiane Head-Maarek, already share holder of the sire, started to build up a file in the summer, trying to get Motivator to stand at Haras du Quesnay. This idea was actually even more justified following Ridasiyna's victory in the Prix de l'Opéra at Longchamp, the stallion's first Gr.1 success. He left the Royal Studs in northern England where he was since 2006 next to Royal Applause to settle in Normandy. He will stand for €7,000.
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"He is Montjeu's best son. He won the Epsom Derby, a dream for any breeder. He is a proven horse and his progeny is doing much better in France than England at the moment. It was then a great opoortunity to get him " explains Vincent Rimaud. Indeed, beside the Aga Khan's filly, Motivator saw many of his juveniles shine on french soil in 2012, from Coktail Queen (2nd Prix des Réservoirs, Gr.3) to Lidyana through Motivangel, Do You Bit mainly Sky Hunter, winner on his debuts and very appreciated by his trainer André Fabre.
Motivator out for the first time in his new paddock at Haras du Quesnay
Just like Hurricane Run and Scorpion, Motivator is from Montjeu's first crop, a successful grand cru. He was purchased for £ 75,000 Gns as a yearling by the bloodstock agent John Warren, acting on behalf of the Royal Ascot Racing Club, a racing syndicate of 260 owners. The horse became favorite of the Epsom Derby at the end of his 2yo campaign following his victory in the Racing Post Trophy. He made a successful comeback in the Dante Stakes (Gr.2) before taking the Derby in great style. Twice runner up to Oratorio, in the Eclipse Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes, over 1m2f, he ran over the 1m4f of the Arc, finishing 5th to Hurricane Run. This was his last outing as he ended up lame a week before his former last meeting, the Breeders'Cup Turf.
Motivator was syndicate for no less than 6 million £ ! Typical son of Montjeu, he has everything to look like an english man... But his maternal family is purely american. He is out of a Gone West mare, a Sharpen Up grand dam and his 4th dam is by Buckpasser. Full brother to the good Macarthur, winner of the Hardwicke Stakes (Gr.2) at Ascot, Motivator retired to stud for £20,000 in 2006. He did not cover any mare in 2010 due to an accident to one of his hind leg. He is now back in great form. Lets note that for a son of Montjeu, Motivator is a quiet and sociable individual...
