After two highly dynamic sessions, the third and final day of the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale saw 150 yearlings go under the hammer. A total of 78% were sold for an average of €268,889, with a total turnover registered of €31,560,000 for the session, in line with the same day last year.
A total of 295 yearlings were offered in the ring during the three exceptional days of sales, with 80% of them changing hands for a record average of €277,682 (+4%).
Underlining the remarkable strength of the market, 10 yearlings were sold for €1 million or more, generating an overall record turnover of €66,423,000 (+10%).
Following the sale, Olivier Delloye, President of ARQANA, and Freddy Powell, Managing Director said, “There could be no better way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of ARQANA’s creation than with new records for the August Sale. These results are a fitting reward for an adventure built since 2006 around a shared passion, with high standards, ambition and enthusiasm. After such a successful edition, above all, we would like to say thank you: to the breeders and vendors for their trust, to the buyers for their continued support, and to everyone who helps bring our sales and our shared passion for horses to life. We are proud of the journey we have made over the past twenty years and, even more so, delighted to continue writing this story together with you.”
An all-time record of €4,6 million for a son of Wootton Bassett
The atmosphere was electric as a highly anticipated son of Wootton Bassett (Lot 306), consigned by Écurie des Monceaux, entered the ring.
After a lengthy bidding war between buyers inside and outside of the sales auditorium, the gavel finally fell at €4,6 million in favour of MV Magnier, that bought the colt in parternship with White Birch Farm.
The historic price represents an all-time ARQANA record for a yearling sold in the Deauville sales ring. Out of a sister to multiple Group 1 winner SCANDINAVIA and a half-sister to Prix Saint-Alary (Gr.1) heroine ABOVE THE CURVE, the colt hails from the family of top-class performers GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, GLENEAGLES, HAPPILY, JOAN OF ARC and MARVELLOUS.
“First of all, congratulations to Écurie des Monceaux and their team, that have done an amazing job,” said MV Magnier. “They have supported us a lot, especially in their choice of stallions, and I’m very happy for them, because they also bought his dam from us. He’s a very well-made colt with a great pedigree. He ticked all the boxes and we’re delighted.?
€2million for Night of Thunder Colt
The leading buyers at the sale, the Godolphin team made their presence felt once again during the sale, this time striking for a son of Night Of Thunder (Lot 194) for €2 million.
The first foal out of the black-type mare TAGLINE, he was offered from La Motteraye Consignment, and hails from the family of DAGGERS DRAWN, HANS ANDERSEN and EVADING TEMPETE.
“The whole team really liked him,” said Anthony Stroud. “He’s a lovely colt by Night Of Thunder, out of a mare by Havana Grey, that was very fast. It’s no surprise that he was very popular. We have had some very good horses by Night Of Thunder in the past and this is a very nice one too.”
A little later, Anthony Stroud also signed the docket at €850,000 for a son of Wootton Bassett out of multiple Group winner including the Prix Vermeille (Gr.1), BATEEL (Lot 260). Offered from Fairway Consignment, the colt is none other than a half-brother to Group winners MAP OF STARS and TAJLINA.
€1,6 million for a daughter of Siyouni
Among the other lots offered from Écurie des Monceaux was a daughter of Siyouni (Lot 177) that made €1,6 million to Michel Zerolo (Oceanic Bloodstock), bidding on behalf of Peter Brandt. It is a family that the owner of White Birch Farm knows well as the blue-blooded filly is the first foal out of a half-sister to the top-class racehorses SISTERCHARLIE, SOTTSASS and MY SISTER NAT, that all ran in his colours.
€1,4 million for a brother to SPARKLING PLENTY and NOBLE TRUTH
A little later, the gavel fell at €1,4 million for a son of Kingman (Lot 187) from Coulonces. Once again it was Michel Zerolo (Oceanic Bloodstock) that had the final bid, standing in company with the Coolmore team, for the brother to Prix de Diane (Gr.1) winner SPARKLING PLENTY and Group scorer NOBLE TRUTH.
The well-bred colt is from the leading maternal line of STACELITA, STARS ON EARTH, SOUL STIRRING and SAUTERNE.
“It’s a family that we know well,” said MV Magnier. “We bought Sparkling Plenty a few years ago and she is now in foal to Justify. Kingman works very well with this pedigree, and Dubois family are very good breeders.”
Arqana Release
