1972 – 1988 168 cm Chestnut

Breeder: André Grandin

Grand Veneur is by the somewhat obscure stallion Amour du Bois, out of Tanagra G – although this is not the same Tanagra who is the dam of Jalisco. This mare produced two other international showjumping winners, L’Elue de Veneur and O’Veneur.

Grand Veneur was a popular sire, and was often France’s leading sire based on the performance of his progeny at the national championships in Fontainebleau. Fourteen of his progeny won or placed at Grand Prix level, including Ashle (ex Alize des Iles), Copélia de l’Epine, Ultimée du Chemin, Love Love who jumped for Portugal, and Montblanc for Belgium. In all, he produced more than 335 showjumping winners.

 Grand Veneur in action…

He produced 74 licensed sons, including Major de la Cour, who became a most important sire in Belgium, the international competitors, Fidji du Fleury, Fétiche du Pas, Boléro de Brécey HN, Bidy du Gisors HN, Usban du Haul (sold to the USA) and two that went to Italy – Valiant de Brécey and Dohitzun.

Major de la Cour out of a mare by Debuche was a major influence in the Belgian breeding scene 

Despite having one of the highest ever BLUP ratings (+30) he was a controversial stallion. He was not the most handsome of horses and there were those who suggested that he produced ‘weak backs and dubious joints’.

Another stallion son, Sioux de Baugy – also exported to Belgium

German Levallois, who stood Le Tot de Semilly, is quoted by Pascal Renauldon in his article ‘Le Tot de Semilly or the rehabilitation of Grand Veneur’ in Z Magazine February / April 2000, as saying: “Grand Veneur received a lot of criticism. Yet all the big breeders have used him. I am not trying to defend Grand Veneur specifically. I would speak out for every good horse no matter its pedigree. Even if Grand Veneur passed on some undesirable qualities, why do you keep running into him everywhere?”