Sue Cameron takes a look at the stallions standing at one of France's oldest studs - the Haras du Petit Tellier.

One of the oldest studs in France is the Haras du Petit Tellier, at Sevigny in Normandy. Continuing a long tradition dating back five generations to 1850, Patrick Chedeville took over the running of the 145 hectare property in the early 1960s.

Since then, the stud has produced over 100 winners and Group-placed horses. The list of Group One winners, which contains some famous names, is Admastor, Arapahos, Aryenne, Big John, Cadmus, Calife, Comeram, Doha, Floressa, Lady Winner, Melyno, Moonlight Paradise, Pharly, Premiere Creation, Paranda, Sicy d'Alsace, Rajput Princess and Vespone.

The last-named is now standing at the stud, one of four stallions in residence there. His companions are Meshaheer, Prince Kirk and Rosen Kavalier.

Meshaheer, by Nureyev, who is a full brother to King Charlemagne, was placed third in the Prix Morny (Group One) and stands at a fee of e3,000. Prince Kirk, by Selkirk, won the Prix d'Ispahan, beating Six Perfections, and his fee is e2,500. Vespone won the Grand Prix de Paris (Group One) and the Prix Jean Prat (Group One) as well as being placed second in the Prix Ganay and Premio Presidente della Repubblica. He stands at e4,000.

Of considerable interest is Rosen Kavalier, a son of one of the world's greatest sires, Sunday Silence, who was imported from Japan where he won multiple Group races.

Petit Tellier is home to something approaching 50 broodmares and their followers, both foals and yearlings, are all by prominent sires such as Hawk Wing, Singspiel, King's Best, High Chaparral and Rock Of Gibraltar, so there is always a constant supply of horses for the sale ring.

The stud also takes boarding mares and is expert at preparing yearlings for consignment to the major sales throughout Europe, having 120 boxes available for the purpose.