With the passing of Motivator, one of the great names in international Thoroughbred breeding has left us. The impressive son of the legendary Montjeu died at the age of 24—after a life entirely devoted to horse racing.
Even on the racetrack, Motivator showed that he was born for greatness. As a two-year-old, he won the Racing Post Trophy; as a three-year-old, the Dante Stakes. Then came that day at Epsom that cemented his status as a legend: In the 2005 Derby, Motivator gave his rivals no chance, winning by an impressive five lengths. Behind him were Walk In The Park and, in third place, none other than the future exceptional sire Dubawi.
It was the mark of a champion.
But Motivator’s story did not end on the racetrack. It continued through his offspring. For over two decades, he shaped international Thoroughbred breeding as a stallion, siring more than 400 winners and numerous black-type horses.
And then there was Trêve.
His most famous daughter became one of the most extraordinary racehorses of her generation. She has six Group I victories to her credit—including the Prix de Diane and, most notably, two consecutive triumphs in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2013 and 2014.
A sire who himself dominated the Derby.
A daughter who conquered the Arc twice.
And one of his last sons is named Laki.
Our Laki, born on March 31, 2025, out of our Lady Vivian, carries this great legacy within him.
And sometimes we think we can see his father in him: in his powerful build, his presence, and above all in the determination with which he forges his own path. Laki seems as if he has long known what he was born to do.
To gallop.
Of course, the shoes he has to fill are enormous. When your own father is a Derby winner and your famous half-sister has won the Arc de Triomphe twice, you carry a great name with you.
But Laki doesn’t have to become Motivator.
He gets to write his own story.
Now begins his journey from a young horse to a racehorse. A journey we watch with great excitement, hope, and even a little awe.
For with the death of Motivator, a great story comes to an end—and at the same time, we realize how special it is to watch one of his last sons grow up.
The legend Motivator is gone.
His legacy remains.
And perhaps one day, Laki will carry a small part of it forward across the racetrack.
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