Joshua Tree, two-time Grade 1 winner, to stand in France

Two-time Canadian International winner Joshua Tree will retire at the end of the season to become the first stallion to stand at his owners' new Haras de Gastines near Chateaubriant, France.

"He'll stand here in France at stud," co-owner Kamal Albahou told Racing Post. "We've bought a small stud [farm] and he'll be the first stallion there."

Originally campaigned by Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and Susan Magnier, Joshua Tree was sold in late 2010 to Khalifa bin Hamas al Attiyah. His current owners purchased the 6-year-old Montjeu horse last year. He finished second in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay in France on Aug. 18.

To date, Joshua Tree has won six of 29 career starts, bankrolling $3,258,005. He captured his first edition of the Grade 1 Canadian International in 2010, edging Mores Wells by a head. He returned to finish second in the race the following season to the filly Sarah Lynx, who is a daughter of Montjeu. In his third attempt at the International, Joshua Tree defeated Dandino by a half-length; Dandino recently won the American St. Leger at Arlington Park.

Joshua Tree is a Group 2 winner in England and France and is Group 1-placed in England and Germany.

Joshua Tree is one of two winners, and the only stakes winner, out of the Grade 3-winning Grand Lodge mare Madeira Mist. She is a half-sister to stakes winner Misty Heights.