The outstanding win of GOLD TRIP (FR) in the 2022 G1 Melbourne Cup has shone the spotlight firmly on the French auction house Arqana in a timely reminder that the upcoming Breeding Stock sale kicks off on December 3rd.
The French-bred entire was sold as a yearling through the Arqana August sale for 60,000 euro, which has proved to be an outstanding investment. In a sales quinella his is dam SARVANA (by DUBAI DESTINATION) was offered in the Aga Khan draft as a maiden mare in the December Breeding Stock Sale and sold for 23,000 euro, she was re-offered in the same sale last year in foal to SOTTSASS and was picked up by the astute David Redvers for 280,000 euros.
The influence of the European pedigree has been evidenced in recent months by star sprinter GIGA KICK and crack WA filly AMELIA’S JEWEL being out of European mares. These are proof that European bloodlines can produce elite sprinters in Australia.
As usual, this sale provides a wonderful opportunity to acquire more mares from some of the best French breeders and tap into their premium foundation families. Drafts from HRH The Aga Khan, Wertheimer and Frere, Monceaux, Haras St Pair and Haras Etreham to name a few.
This sale also sees the complete dispersal of Haras du Quesnay the stud founded by the late Alec Head, following his death earlier in the year. The farm has been sold and the family have decided to sell all bloodstock. The Head family’s most recent superstar was the incredible dual Arc winner TREVE and several of her close relatives are on offer; including 106 – her weanling half-sister by LE HAVRE. This is a rare collector’s item opportunity.
Interestingly, that of Chris Waller’s G2 Moonee Valley Cup winner FRANCESCO GUARDI is out of a half-sister to the mighty TREVE.
Opportunities exist to add mares by world class stallions such as FRANKEL, DUBAWI, GALILEO, SIYOUNI, SEA THE STARS, LOPE DE VEGA, PIVOTAL and SHAMARDAL.
This is the ideal sale to add some ‘French flair’ to your broodmare band. Arqana Australasian representative Damon Gabbedy will be in attendance for the sale should you wish to get involved.
