Jacques Beres, who operated Haras de la Croix Sonnet with his wife Francoise, passed away on Sunday evening, Jour de Galop reported. He was 82.
Nicknamed one of the last of the 'French Doctors', Beres was a surgeon and co-founder of Doctors Without Borders and Doctors of the World. Beres, who was also a gambler prior to becoming an owner/breeder, travelled all over the world to give aid to those in need. His final mission was in Ukraine last year.
In a January interview with the JDG, he said, “You can't talk about an escape…But horses are peace.”
Among the notable runners to carry his yellow silks with a white sash were G1 Prix de Saint-Alary heroine Air De Rien (GB) (Elegant Air {GB}), as well as G1 Prix Jean Romanet victress Whortleberry (Fr) (Starborough {GB}).
Upon his retirement, Beres acquired Haras de la Croix Sonnet at the end of 2020. Jacques and Francoise have raced under the moniker Ecurie X in recent times. Among their best in the latest iteration of their stables has been 2023 G2 Prix de Malleret heroine Rue Boissonade (Fr) (Seabhac) and 2022 Listed Grand Prix de Fontainebleau hero Flyingbeauty (Fr) (Galiway {GB}).
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