Kendargent the most legitimate heir to the Grey Sovereign line

For all the power wielded by the larger operations, the truth is that we never quite know from where the next successful stallion is going to emerge. For sure, financial backing, power and influence go a long way in launching a stallion - but luck also remains a vital element. Horses continue to surprise, for better or worse, which has in turn allowed various smaller breeders to profit from recent success stories such as Kodiac and Showcasing.

It is unlikely that many French breeders gave Kendargent more than a passing glance when he retired to Haras de Colleville in 2008. A two-time winner, the son of Kendor had held his own in good company, notably when failing only by a head in the 2006 Group 3 Prix Paul de Moussac en route to running fourth in the Prix Jean Prat. But that was the best he had to show in a 13-race career, and he duly began stud life as primarily the domain of his owner Guy Pariente at a minimal fee.

Pariente’s faith in the stallion was vindicated in remarkable fashion when Kendargent sired 12 stakes winners from his first four crops. These included the Group 2-winning sprinter Restiadargent and Group 3 winner Kendam, both products of a first crop of just 19. Six stakes winners, led by the Prix de la Grotte scorer and Coronation Stakes runner-up Kenhope, emerged from a greater second crop of 53 while dual Group 3 winner Goken was highlight of a fourth crop of 30. Each were bred off fees no greater than €1,000.