Marcel Boussac

Marcel Boussac April 17, 1889 ? March 21, 1980) was a French entrepreneur best known for his ownership of the Maison Dior and one of the most successful thoroughbred race horse breeding farms in European history.

Related Topics:
April 17 - 1889 - March 21 - 1980 - French - Maison Dior - Thoroughbred - Race horse - Europe

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Born in Châteauroux, Indre, France, Boussac made a fortune in textile manufacturing. In 1946, he financed Christian Dior's new Paris fashion house that became one of the most famous clothing and perfume marques in history. In 1951 Boussac expanded into the newspaper business with the acquisition of "L'Aurore."

Related Topics:
Châteauroux - Indre - France - Textile - Christian Dior's - Paris

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An avid horseman, Marcel Boussac acquired the Haras du Bois-Roussel horse breeding farm in Alençon in the Orne departement of Lower Normandy. As part of his breeding operation, Boussac bought and sold horses from across Europe plus from the United States. He acquired the U.S. Triple Crown winner Whirlaway and sold the mare "La Troienne" to Edward R. Bradley's Idle Hour Stock Farm in Lexington, Kentucky who became one of the most influential mares to be imported into the U.S. in the 20th century.

Related Topics:
Haras du Bois-Roussel - Alençon - Orne - Lower Normandy - United States - U.S. Triple Crown - Whirlaway - Edward R. Bradley's - Idle Hour Stock Farm - Lexington, Kentucky

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Boussac's horses dominated French racing from the 1930s through to the 1960s making his stable the leading money winner fourteen times and the leading breeder on seventeen occasions. In addition to being a six-time winner of France's most important race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Boussac's horses also won the prestigious Epsom Derby, Epsom Oaks, Two Thousand Guineas, St. Leger Stakes, Ascot Gold Cup and others in the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - Epsom Derby - Epsom Oaks - Two Thousand Guineas - St. Leger Stakes - Ascot Gold Cup - United Kingdom

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On his passing in 1980, Boussac's estate was liquidated and "L'Aurore" sold to Robert Hersant who merged it with his "Le Figaro" newspaper. The Aga Khan IV purchased the bulk of the Boussac farm's breeding stock. The property itself would eventually be acquired by Daniel Wildenstein, who also ranks as one of France's greatest horsemen.

Related Topics:
Robert Hersant - Le Figaro - Aga Khan IV - Daniel Wildenstein

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In his honor, the "Prix Marcel Boussac," a Grade 1 Stakes Race, is run annually at the Hippodrome de Longchamp.

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