By Emma Berry
From a January debut at Cagnes-sur-Mer to a jaw-dropping victory on France's biggest day of racing, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}) has had quite the season and is now the hottest property in European racing.
We already know where he will stand at stud eventually since his part-sale after his victory in the Prix du Jockey Club to the Chehboub family's Gousserie Racing. Kamel and his daughter Pauline Cheboub will now decide with their partner and the colt's original owner Serge Stempniak and trainer Jean-Claude Rouget whether the unbeaten star will retire to their Haras de Beaumont for the 2024 covering season or remain in training as a 4-year-old.
In an update on Ace Impact on Monday morning, Pauline Cheboub told TDN, “He's in good shape and recovering well. We're really happy with him.
“We'll take the decision this week with the team and our partners and take the time to make the right decision for the horse. He deserves that.”
Kamel Cheboub, a long-time owner and breeder in France through his Haras de la Gousserie, was revealed this time last year as the buyer of a major part of the historic Haras du Quesnay, just outside Deauville. Christened Haras de Beaumont, the new stallion operation opened its doors earlier this year with the G1 Champion S. and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Sealiway (Fr) as its first headline stallion, backed up on the roster by the Wertheimer brothers' Intello (Ger). Mathieu Alex, who played such a key role, along with Sylvain Vidal, in the success of the stallion career of Le Havre (Ire), was appointed to manage Haras de Beaumont.
The temptation will obviously be strong to retire a colt of the calibre of Ace Impact to stud, but Chehboub insisted that her family and Stempniak will take their time to consider the best course of action.
She continued, “We don't know his limits but it's difficult to top this season. He's a champion.
“It's an exciting time for us. We are very lucky to be part of this and we are pleased that we have a horse like him that we will be able to bring eventually to the French breeders, and Sealiway as well.”
Chehboub added, “We're lucky to have a great team – from the trainer, jockey and at the stud. Mathieu Alex is a great horseman and does such a great job. We're all just enjoying the moment.”
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