 |
 Racing silks of Haras La Biznaga | |
| Company type | Horse breeding farm and Thoroughbred racing stable |
|---|---|
| Industry | Thoroughbred horse racing |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Fate | Liquidated |
Haras La Biznaga was "one of Argentina's most famous and historic" thoroughbred racehorse breeding and training farms in Argentina. [1] It was originally founded as an agricultural business in 1961, with the horse stud farm built in 1972 [2] and liquidated in 2018. [1]
The land that would eventually become Haras La Biznaga was purchased by Carlos María Lucio Blaquier and Virginia de Alzaga de Blaquier in 1891, covering nearly ten square miles. [3] Carlos María designed the silks used by the farm, green with pink sleeves. [2]
Carlos Thays designed the estate's park, and either Valentín Solis or Ferruccio Togneri designed the house. [3]
In 1961, the Blaquier family set up a company, La Biznaga S.A. to own the farm, which at the time consisted of various dairies and bred shorthorn cattle. [3]
In 1970, Herminio Arrieta Blaquier, then head of La Biznaga S.A., died, passing on the farm to his son Carlos Pedro Blaquier, then a doctor in the United States. Carlos Pedro returned to Argentina to run the company. He turned the farm towards racing, regaining the silks from a cousin who had inherited them. New to the racing industry, the farm started by buying inferior horses for cheap. [2] In 1968, they purchased 20 mares and the stallion Tamuré, by Sideral. [4]
In 1972, the stud farm and racing stable was created, located at the estancia La Bellaca, occupying nearly two thousand acres. [3] The facilities included two yearling barns, stallion ban, mare barn, and administrative office forming an 'H' shape, totaling 219 stalls, and a 1200-meter training track. [2]
The first four colts bred by Haras La Biznaga debuted together in the same race and finished in the last four positions. Arturo R. Bullrich was consulted to help with improving their stock and performance. He selected 60 mares for the farm to purchase, including Vacación, namesake of Haras Vacación. The stallion Practicante, winner of the Gran Premio Jockey Club, Gran Premio Nacional, and Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini was also acquired. [2] [4]
In 1989, Carlos Pedro Blaquier had a heart attack and passed on management of the farm to his son Carlos Herminio Blaquier, known as "Charlie". Lacking experience in horse racing, Carlos Herminio studied up on the sport and pedigrees. Carlos Herminio recommended selling the farm due its lack of profitability, but Carlos Pedro wanted to keep the farm. Carlos Herminio worked to help maintain the farm financially stable. [2]
In the early 2000s, the farm had about 145 broodmares and produced about 120 foals a year. A group of fillies would be reserved for the farm and others auctioned off. [2]
Trainers employed by the farm include Julio Penna, Juan Estebán, Carlos Bianchi, Roberto Pellegatta, Roberto Bullrich, and Carlos Etchechoury. Jorge Valdivieso rode for Haras La Biznaga. [4]
In 2018, the farm was liquidated due to the retirement of its manager and no interest in running the farm from Carlos's sons. The broodmares were auctioned off in March, with a net of over USD$5,000,000 and selling for an average of $37,430. Giant Remex and Giant Marked topped the sale at $260,000 each to Haras Don Alberto, a new record in Argentina. Of the ten highest priced purchased, only the eighth highest went to an Argentine buyer, with Haras Embrujo purchasing Stormy Sober for $135,000. [1]
The yearlings were sold in an auction in December, yielding a net of $1,752,240 for 82 of the 84 yearlings for sale, with an average of $20,860. Topping the sale was the record-setting sale of Joy Belinda (later renamed Nuwara Eliya [5] ) for $120,000. [6]
Martín Alberto Ferrari, manager of Haras Don Alberto, incorporates various techniques he learned from Haras La Biznaga in his operation, including nutritional and sanitary programs. [7]
Haras La Biznaga produced 71 Group 1 winners. [8]
Notable stallions that have stood at stud at Haras La Biznaga include:
Haras La Biznaga won the Pellegrini award for Argentine Champion Breeder in 1982 and 2004 and Argentine Champion Owner in 1996, 2004, and 2014. [13]
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