The Arqana 2YO Sale continued its remarkable rise on Saturday with across-the-board gains at Saint-Cloud.
Turnover rose 27% to 6.91 million euros, the average increased 21% to a record 62,246 euros and the clearance rate was a healthy 80%.
A Giant’s Causeway filly destined to join Henry Cecil topped the one-day auction at 260,000 euros. She was purchased by Charlie Gordon-Watson and is a sister to G2 winner Naissance Royale. The filly was passed-in for 100,000 guineas at the Tattersalls yearling sale last December.
“I really like the female family and bought her half-brother as a yearling last year,” said Gordon-Watson. “She is very athletic with a good action and breezed very well.”
A Galileo daughter of Prix Vermeille winner Sweet Stream was next best at 200,000 euros. The filly will be trained by Freddy Head for Saeed Al Romaithi.
An Exceed And Excel – Nikolenka (Indian Ridge) colt was a lucrative pin-hook for Con Marnane’s Bansha House Stables. Bought as a yearling for 30,000 euros at Aqana last August, he increased in value to 200,000 euros when sold to Prime Equestrian.
“It is such a strong sale and it’s a fantastic result,” said Marnane. “He really developed into a lovely looking animal and moved like a ballerina up the track.”
French-based Haras de Saubouas once again topped the list of leading vendors with a total of 21 horses sold for 1.27 million euros.
Currency converter: 1,000 euros = AUD 1,334