Groupe France Elevage has announced that Kannan (Voltaire x Nimmerdor) – one of the leading sires in the sport – has passed away, at the age of 28. The sire of Olympic Champion Nino des Buissonnets, World Cup Champion Albführen's Paille, as well as Grand Prix winners such as Quabri de l´Isle, Molly Malone V, Quorida de Treho and Padock du Plessis *HN and many, many more – Kannan leaves a strong legacy behind. Kannan also competed internationally himself, with Michel Hecart as well as Francois Mathy Jr. in the saddle.
On their Facebook page, Groupe France Elevage explains that the stallion suffered a sudden heart attack. "His offspring have made him a true legend in the breeding world. They have been bred in almost forty countries and have excelled in international classes at all levels as well as representing over fifty nations," reads the statement. "It is a hard time for those who took care of him so well on a daily basis and sad news for the world of breeding."