The inaugural edition of the boutique National Hunt auction ‘The Auteuil Sale’, held after racing at France’s flagship jumps racecourse on Saturday, returned pleasing figures with 8 horses selling for a gross €1,160,000 and an average price of €145,000.
Trade at the Arqana Grand Steeple Sale was topped by an imposing son of the recently deceased Vision d’Etat, VISION D’HONNEUR (lot 5), who walked into the ring as the winner of his only start in a bumper at Fontainebleau.
The charge of Robert Collet attracted bids from all around the Auteuil winner circle and Margaret O’Toole had to fork out €350,000 (equivalent of R5,2 million at current rates of exchange) to seal the deal on behalf of Gordon Eliott.
The trainer was in attendance alongside Nicky Bertrand de Balanda, who commented: “He is a gorgeous stamp of a horse who won very well on his sole start. I came to see him three weeks ago and was very impressed by him. Gordon and Eddie saw him this morning and instantly fell in love with him. We think he can develop into a very good horse.”
François-Marie Cottin’s CARIBEAN BOY (lot 3) is set to cross the Channel and head to Nicky Henderson’s yard after selling to Highflyer Bloodstock for €180,000.
The son of Myboycharlie from the family of top-class stayers CANDARLIYA and CANESSAR ran 2nd in the L. Prix de Marsan last time out, only finding LOU BUCK’S too good. The latter ran a good 4th in the Gr.1 Prix Alain du Breil earlier this afternoon. “He looks a lovely, big chasing horse who will be aimed at the novice races over fences”, said Anthony Bromley.
“He’s been bought for a client of Nicky Henderson’s. His form was franked this afternoon with Lou Buck’s running very well in the Group 1 and I hope he continues to improve.”
Next Arqana Sale:
Summer Sale, 2-4 July 2018, Deauville
