French Stallion Anabaa Dies

Anabaa, a major French stallion at Alec Head’s Haras du Quesnay near Deauville, died July 7 of acute peritonitis after undergoing colic surgery. The son of Danzig was 17.

A Kentucky-bred campaigned in Europe, Anabaa is best known to North American race fans as the sire of Goldikova, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT) winner. Goldikova was France’s champion 3-year-old miler of 2008 and finished second in Eclipse Award balloting in the female turf category.

Anabaa, who earned a 1996 Cartier Award as Europe top sprinter, is represented as a stallion by 67 stakes winners, including 2001 Prix du Jockey-Club (Fr-I) winner Anabaa Blue. Anabaa is represented by such world-wide champions as Alaska River, Anabar, Ana Marie, Martillo, and Yell.

Bred by Sheikh Maktoum’s Gainsborough Farm, Anabaa won consecutive group I stakes for Head, capturing the 1996 Darley July Cup in England and the Prix Maurice de Gheest in France. He was France’s champion sprinter at 4 that year.

Anabaa, out of the Gay Mecene mare Balbonella, retired with eight wins from 13 starts and earnings of $482,394.

Head also stood Anabaa in Australia and in North America. He stood in 2007 at Tony Ryan’s Castleton Lyons near Lexington.

Anabaa has sired the earners of nearly $46 million. He will be buried at Haras du Quesnay.