Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and owner of the football club Manchester City, has recently acquired the prestigious Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard in Normandy.
Founded in 1903, the Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard is located primarily in the commune of Neuvy-au-Houlme, in the Orne department. This historic estate covers 325 hectares and includes an 18th-century château measuring 640 square meters, two large secondary residences, 23 outbuildings, 200 horse stalls, a training track, and various equestrian facilities.
The acquisition, carried out through his company Al Wathba Stud, amounts to approximately €26.8 million.
The stud farm has a rich history in breeding Thoroughbred racehorses. Under the ownership of Marcel Boussac from 1919, and later Stavros Niarchos from 1979, the estate produced numerous champions, including seven winners of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and several Breeders’ Cup champions.
This acquisition marks Sheikh Mansour’s significant entry into the world of European horse racing. Already involved in Arabian purebred racing through his Wathba Stallions operation, this new acquisition in Normandy reflects his ambition to expand his footprint in the European equestrian industry.
The management of the stud farm will be entrusted to Mathieu Legars, former representative of Coolmore in France, starting from March 1st.
The acquisition of Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan aims to strengthen his presence in the European equestrian sector, placing him in competition with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and owner of Haras du Logis in Normandy.
