Rantzau

Rantzau (1946–1971) was a French-bred racehorse that went on to be an extremely influential sire of dressage, show jumping, and event horses, and is considered to be one of the most influential stallions from the French studbook. Rantzau stood . Background and breeding Henri Tambareau purchased the Thoroughbred mare, Rancune, in 1943 for use as a broodmare. She had won several times on the racetrack, and came from good lines, including that of the famous jumping sire Bay Ronald. Rantzau's sire, Foxlight, was one of the best stallions of the French national stud Le Haras du Pin, and also had the blood of Bay Ronald in his pedigree. After a notable career at the track, Foxlight retired to stud duty where he was quite successful, producing both flat racers and steeplechasers. His racing blood included that of Foxlaw (winner of the Ascot Gold Cup and Newmarket Jockey Club Stakes) and Foxhunter (winner of the Ascot Gold Cup). Career on the track As a three-year-old, Rantzau raced nine races between 2,000-3,000 meters, winning two and placing in five. He was then purchased by Marcel Boussac.