The Arqana December Sale concluded a successful year for the auction house which celebrated growth in all key areas in 2011.

The annual aggregate rose 15% to 87 million euros , a figure second only to the historical record of 2007.  The average rose 8.50% to 38,915 euros while the number of horses to sell increased by 125 to 2,234.

The highlight of Arqana’s year came during the August Yearling Sale when Australian buyer Paul Fudge of Waratah Thoroughbreds paid 1.70 million euros for a Galileo filly from Haras de la Perelle.  

“It’s been a very good year for Arqana,” said company president Eric Hoyeau.  “It witnessed the inauguration of our new Deauville sales pavilion which enables us to welcome all those involved with the sales in a comfortable, functional and classy environment.

“It also proved an excellent renewal for our graduates with the August yearling sale sourcing Group 1 winning juveniles Maybe, French Fifteen and Dabirsim.

“Finally, all categories registered figures up from 2010, notably an increase in both the number of horses sold and the average price.  Such performances allow us, as well as our vendors, to consider the coming year with optimism.”

The fourth and final session of the December Sale on Tuesday was topped by Lapland (Linamix) for 64,000 euros.  An unraced six year-old mare, she was bought by Haras des Sablonnets in foal to Lawman.

Lapland is a half-sister to Monday’s Arqana sale-topper Land Star (Peintre Celebre).  Lawman is also the sire of their close relative Loi who won the G3 Prix de Conde in September.

Arqana reported the four-day December Sale average was up 3% to 29,705 euros for the 788 horses that changed hands.