LUC Henry is one of the most influential sport horse breeders in the world and is synonymous with breeding and owning some of the most sought after horses in the sport. He recently sent shockwaves through the industry announcing the auction of his entire breeding programme, including his now-famous Stud Hero suffix. The sale will take place in stages between December 18th and 30th, offering a rare collection of horses, foals, and embryos – the living result of 25 years of breeding.

Like many thoughtful breeders, mares have always been the backbone of Luc’s breeding programme. His foundation mare lines include: Usha Van’t Roosakker, Liscalgot, Baluka Hero, Prima Donna Van’t Paradjis, Panama du Seigneur, and Ta Belle van Sombeke.

The successful progeny from these mare lines are proof of what a careful philosophy, a good eye, and a thorough understanding of pedigrees (and crucially, an understanding of the physical manifestations of those pedigrees) may produce.

Luc has an affinity with Ireland and with Dermott Lennon in particular; in talking about his Irish breeding endeavor, he admits that his partnerships have been successful because he has been working with such good people. Dermott and Luc first met in Maastricht and discussed World Champion mare Liscalgot (Touchdown x Tullah’s Pride xx), bred by Terence Harvey. Luc admired the brave, intelligent Irish mare with good reason, she possessed exceptional athletic abilities.

Dermott recalls, “I met Luc in 2003, he approached me in regards to getting embryos from Liscalgot – as many other interested parties had. We immediately connected with ideas and ambitions we both had and struck up a friendship and partnership which has run very smoothly and successfully since.”Luc recounts Liscalgot’s many qualities, “She displayed sheer unlimited power, had an incredible attitude and a respect for the fence. If you were to grade her for these qualities, she would have three 11s out of 10.”

Luc began to create Liscalgot’s line with OPU and embryo transfer in 2004/5, beginning with For Pleasure and Cruising. He eventually bought Liscalgot in 2014 and, in testament to her, also bought a number of her daughters, most of whom have produced top-level or top-price performers.

Dermott Lennon jumping the brilliant Liscalgot

Luc honoured an agreement with Dermott, that Liscalgot would retire to Ireland to live out her years peacefully at home, which she did. No less than 14 Liscalgot relatives are available in the upcoming auction, and perhaps some of those will also come home?

Dermott introduced Luc to his long-term friend Gerry Marron of Kinmar Stud and they formed a breeding partnership in 2008, “Luc brought a new and fresh approach to my breeding programme.” Gerry reveals: “His advice and recommendations have been invaluable to me. On a personal level his friendship and integrity are very much valued and appreciated by our family.”

Olympic Games

Luc once told Gerry he would breed Olympic horses and this prophecy may be unfolding; according to Gerry, the powerful stallion Ganesh Hero Z (Gemini CL x Diamant de Semilly) bred by Gerry and Luc, might be the horse to reach the Olympics. Ganesh Hero Z was managed from two to five years old by Andrea Etter, and she successfully paired him with rider Damien Griffin resulting in numerous national wins. Ganesh returned to Belgium and competed under the saddle of Mélanie Gelin before selling to Mexico to compete with Carlos Hank. Gerry and Damian still work together producing Kinmar Stud’s most promising horses, including, approved stallion For Kinmar Hero Z by For Pleasure x Alana Hero, bred by Gerry and also Kinmar Quality Hero, and Kinmar Agalux.

Ganesh Hero in action at Dublin Horse Show with Damien Griffin

It was Swiss champion mare Lorina II’s performance pedigree (Lombard x Freeman xx) that enticed Luc to visit Andrea at Belmont House Stud. Lorina was retired to stud at Belmont; Andrea’s brother Daniel had ridden Lorina for Switzerland. The two breeders became trusted friends and Andrea leased stallion Calikot Hero (Ogano Sitte x Nabab de Reve) from him. The first foal born by Calikot Hero was the magnificent Celtic Hero B Z out of Cricket Z (Caretano Z x For Pleasure).

Andrea and Luc became business partners in Celtic and saw him achieve many top results in Ireland before selling to the USA where he is successfully competing at 1.40m with Heather Caristo-Williams. Andrea says of Luc, “I have a lot of respect for Luc, I have learned so much from him. I wouldn’t be where I am today in my breeding programme if it wasn’t for his advice and I am grateful for that.”

Continuing the common theme of gratitude, Sligo breeder Michael Doherty of Quarryfield Farm also acknowledges the impact and influence Luc has had on him. Michael had a filly in partnership with Luc, Pina Colada Hero Z (Perigueux x Kassander van’t Roosakker), and two additional fillies in partnership with Luc and friend Alan Robertson - Cora Jada Edil Z (Corico Z x Zahr Adelheid) & Flecha Hero Z (For Pleasure x Exxon Hedonist). He says of their meeting:

“I first met Luc at the 2013 Dublin Horse Show; he and Gerry Marron had visited our farm, to look at a foal I had for sale. I met him a second time with Andrea Etter in Belgium. The time spent with him on this particular trip had a profound effect on me, both as a breeder and a person. Luc has become a great friend, mentor, and business partner - his transparency and commitment to true excellence has been inspiring.”

Raising the bar

Luc, it seems, has a particular gift for sharing knowledge and he values good people above all else. He also has the capacity to see through surface noise and get to the heart of a horse. He encourages breeders to look a little further down the road and to breed with care and thought:

“Most breeders are influenced by glossy catalogues where the father, grandmother, and great-great-aunt are praised, but where nobody really knows if the horse is any good…You must not forget that breeding means ‘to raise higher’ - it is a magnificent endeavor, but to succeed in breeding, you must always try to create something better in each generation.”

Dermott Lennon (left) with Luc Henry

In talking with Luc, it is clear he is incredibly grateful to Dermott Lennon in particular, he describes him as the most wonderful man without whom he would not have achieved so much. There are some outstanding performers on the ground thanks to Luc and his Irish friends. Still, many of these bloodlines may never have made it to Ireland if he hadn’t admired Liscalgot and if she hadn’t brought Dermott into his life. He says of Dermott, “He is a World Champion rider and he is a World Champion gentleman and I want to thank him sincerely.”