He Fresnay-le-Buffard stud farmlocated in Normandywitnessed multiple historical chapters since its foundation in 1903.
Last December, this iconic domain was acquired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyanvice president of the United Arab Emirates and owner of Manchester Cityin a transaction managed by Sotheby’s Deauville and valued at 26.8 million eurosinforma Paris Match.
This step highlights its commitment to breeding elite horses and at the same time its strategy to consolidate its position in the global equestrian world.
Fresnay-le-Buffard is not just any farm. Their 325 hectareswhich include an 18th-century castle, 200 horse boxes and a 900-meter training track, were cradle of true championsincluding seven winners of the prestigious Price of the Arc de Triomphe.
This private enclosure, whose access is restricted to the public, was traditionally associated with key personalities in the business and cultural field.
In its beginnings, the farm was owned by Marcel Boussacnicknamed the “king of cotton” for his success in the textile industry and known for being the sponsor that promoted the haute couture house of Christian Dior.
Under his leadership, the place became a center of excellence in racehorse breeding, a legacy that continued Stavros Niarchosrenowned Greek shipowner, who further raised the reputation of Fresnay-le-Buffard.
These names not only added prestige to the domain, they also positioned it as a world leader in the equestrian industry.
He cultural impact del haras was also recognized in 1967, when the Queen Elizabeth II visited him during a private trip to Normandy. The presence of the British monarch, a horse enthusiast, consolidated its relevance in the European panorama and stressed its importance in equestrian tradition.
The acquisition by Sheikh Mansour represents a new era for Fresnay-le-Buffard. Known for being a key figure in promoting equestrian excellence, Mansour owns other four domains in Normandy and famous Godolphin stablerecognized worldwide in purebred breeding.
According to statements collected by Paris Matchyour plan is restore the splendor of the farm by modernizing its facilities, which currently They house more cows than horsesand the hiring of 30 new employees to complement the current 15.
The mayor of Ronai, Hubert Séjournépointed out that the objective is to return the farm to its position as reference center in international competitions.
This investment seeks recover its sporting relevance and at the same time revitalize the local economy, reinforcing the presence of the United Arab Emirates in a sector where the prestige and the tradition are intertwined with luxury and the modernity.
Sheikh Mansour’s interest in Fresnay-le-Buffard It is not limited to the sports field. The purchase evidences a broader strategy that connect the equestrian tradition with the economic and cultural interests of the United Arab Emirates.
This operation reinforces its influence in a sector that combines history, innovation y profitabilitypositioning it as a bridge between Middle East y Europa.
With a fortune estimated at 30 billion dollarsMansour demonstrated his ability to integrate modernity y tradition in each of his projects, whether as the owner of top-level football clubs or as a patron of horse breeding.
According to Paris Matchhis ambition is clear: see the name of your thoroughbreds at the top of the international podiums.
The Fresnay-le-Buffard is not only a symbol of equestrian history, but also a testimony of how the strategic vision can transform a legacy into a tool for cultural and economic projection.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Mansour, this farm is preparing to establish itself as a global benchmark, combining its illustrious past with a look toward the future.
