BRIAN Acheson, the leading owner whose horses races under the Robcour brand, has acquired a minority share in Ecurie des Monceaux, France’s leading consignor of flat-bred yearlings.

The move comes as a surprise as Robcour rarely has runners on the flat.

Located in Normandy, Monceaux is celebrating its centenary this year. Since 2003 it has been owned by Lucien Urano and managed by Henri Bozo.

In the past 20 years Monceaux has established itself as a major player in European bloodstock.

Since 2010, Monceaux has bred 78 individual stakes winners including 17 Group 1 winners. Among them are Sottsass, Paddington, Sistercharlie, Ectot, Chicquita, Magic Wand, Charm Spirit, Feed The Flame and Ancient Wisdom.

Monceaux tops the leading vendors’ list at the Arqana August Yearling Sale every year. In 2024 it sold 32 yearlings for almost €13 million at the Deauville sale. Monceaux has 38 yearlings entered for next month’s sale.

Bozo told the Racing Post that the new partnership will allow Monceaux to buy yearling fillies who they will race before joining the stud’s broodmare band.