A product of the breeding program of the legendary French breeder Marcel Boussac, Djeddah was not quite up to Classic standard but was brilliant over 10 furlongs, sweeping England's top events at the distance as a 4-year-old. Exported to the United States for stud duty, he was a disappointment considering his pedigree and his high racing class. Nonetheless, he left a significant mark on Thoroughbred breeding by siring 1955 Kentucky Oaks winner Lalun, the dam of Never Bend and Bold Reason; Jolie Deja, the dam of Mr. Leader; and Beadah, the third dam of Relaunch. He also sired Breath O'Morn, dam of 1967 Kentucky Derby winner Proud Clarion.
Race record
17 starts, 8 wins
1947:
- Won Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte (FR, 1500mT, Maisons-Laffitte)
- Won Prix Yacowlef (FR, 1000mT, Deauville)
- 2nd Prix La Rochette (FR, 1100mT, Chantilly)
1948:
- Won Prix de Reux (FR, 2600mT, Deauville)
- 2nd King George VI Stakes (ENG, 16FT, Ascot)
1949:
- Won La Bourse (FR)
- Won Prix Daphnis et Chloe (FR)
- Won Prix d'Hedouville (FR, 2000mT, Chantilly)
- Won Eclipse Stakes (ENG, 10FT, Sandown)
- Won Champion Stakes (ENG, 10FT, Newmarket)
1950:
- 3rd Prix Ganay (FR, 2000mT, Longchamp)
Honors
French champion older male (1949)
As an individual
A chestnut, Djeddah was a typically elegant Boussac-bred with a look of marked quality and a beautiful shoulder. He was rather light-boned and sickle-hocked.
As a stallion
According to records kept by The Jockey Club, Djeddah sired 198 winners (63.9%) and 17 stakes winners (5.5%) from 310 named foals.
Notable progeny
Lalun (USA)
Notable progeny of daughters
Bold Reason (USA), Knightly Dawn (USA), Mr. Leader (USA), Never Bend (USA), Proud Clarion (USA)
Connections
Djeddah was bred and owned by Marcel Boussac. Following his racing career, he was imported to the United States by Henry Knight. At the age of 14, his merit as a stallion was reflected in his sale for US$5,000 when he passed through the ring at the Keeneland fall mixed sale as part of the dispersal of Knight's estate. He died of an apparent heart attack in September 1968 at Foxfire Farm in Maryland.
Pedigree notes
Djeddah is inbred 4x3 to 1914 Derby Stakes winner Durbar II and 1913 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas) winner Banshee through the full sisters Durban (a high-class racer who won the 1920 Grand Critérium and 1921 Prix Vermeille before producing the great French sire Tourbillon) and Heldifann. He is also inbred 4x3 to 1923 French champion sire Teddy, 5x5x4 to three-time French champion sire Rabelais, and 5x5 to the important sire Bay Ronald.
Djeddah is a half brother to 1943 French champion 2-year-old male Priam II (by Pharis II). He is a also a half brother to juvenile stakes winner Tourzima (by Djebel's sire Tourbillon), who produced 1950 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and Irish Oaks winner Corejada (by Pharis II), 1953 Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte winner Albanilla (by Pharis II), 1958 Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte winner Floriana and stakes winner Naziad (by Jock II) and is the second dam of two-time French champion filly Apollonia, 1955 Prix Royal-Oak (French St. Leger) and 1956 Ascot Gold Cup winner Macip, 1951 Dewhurst Stakes winner Marsyad, 1953 Prix Noialles winner Faublas, and 1962 Prix du Conseil Municipal winner Arcor.
Djezima, the dam of Djeddah, was a winner at 2. She was produced from the sprint stakes winner Heldifann (by Durbar II), whose dam Banshee was by 1902 American champion 2-year-old male Irish Lad out of the great foundation mare Frizette.
Photo credit
Photographer unknown. From the collection of Quarter Horse Record (Susan Larkin); used by permission.
Last updated: August 5, 2022