The Rousselière recruits battler Kandidate

A group of breeders in England have bought the remarkable entire who has indeed never shirked a battle. Trained by Clive Brittain for AJ Richards (later his exors), Kandidate has barely rested since July of his juvenile season.

Kandidate (right), behind future Breeders' Cup Turf winner Red Rocks

He won two races during his first winter, then travelled to Dubai where he finished fourth in the local Guineas, he created a stir when returning to England to take third place in the 2000 Guineas behind Footstepsinthesand and Rebel Rebel, but ahead of Oratorio and Dubawi, two champions who now both command a fortune in covering fees.

Kandidate, runner in Japan Cup (photos JC Briens)

Kandidate proceeded to pursue his career over a variety of distances and on a wide range of racecourses. He passed the half-million Euro mark in prize money, with notably two Gr 3 wins, in the September Stakes at Kempton (2400m) at 4yo and the Haafhd Al Maktoum Challenge (1800m, dirt) at Nad Al Sheba at 5yo. He also lifted three Listed events, a major handicap, and took numerous Group places, including a third in the Gr 3 Gordon Richard Stakes at Sandown (see photo) between Red Rocks (BC Turf) and Notnowcato (3-time Gr 1 winner).

Kandidate training in Japan

16.2hh Kandidate's pedigree is well known in France. He is a son of Kabool, who may not have made an indelible mark before leaving for South Africa, but his dam Valleyrose has also produced the tough Star Valley, winner of the Gr 3 Prix de Meautry and placed in several Group races for Jean-Claude Rouget.

Kandidate

Kandidate will be offered at a fee of 1500€ live foal. He will stand close to Angers at Nelly and Pierre de la Guillonnière's Haras de la Rousselière which is already home to Maresca Sorrento, Charming Groom, Mister Sacha and Denham Red.

Haras de la Rousselière