The 2019 edition of the Arqana August Yearling Sale at Deauville opened its doors on Saturday with the median close to €283,000 recording a 23 per cent rise with the clearance staying solid from 2018.
The turnover for the session reached €14,580,000.
A son of top sire stallion Galileo was the most expensive during the session, with lot 23 from Haras d’Etreham selling for €800,000 to Phoenix Thoroughbreds. He is the first foal out of dual Group winner STEIP AMACH.
Tom Ludt said, “W\e’re very excited. When we buy yearlings in Europe, we send them to England to be broken before deciding on further plans. We like to take our time and we’ve got a lot of trainers, so no decisions will be made yet…”
The eight top lots during the day were all sold to different purchasers, showing the diversity of buyers.
Godolphin led the way, notably signing for the first foal out of Listed placed SIAMSAIOCHT by Siyouni (lot 8) from Ecurie des Monceaux for €450,000.
Anthony Stroud commented, “She is a very good-looking filly that moves very well. Her sire is an exceptional stallion – I’ve had lots of luck with him – and she was bred at a top stud. All of this makes her a very attractive prospect. She will run in the Godolphin colours.”
Lot 68 was also knocked down to Stroud from Haras de la Pérelle. He was another son of the in-demand Galileo and the second foal out of dual Group 2 and Group 1 Matron Stakes runner-up Cladocera. He was bought for €750,000.
“He’s a very nice yearling – and I hope he will be on the racetrack! He’s very athletic by a wonderful stallion in Galileo out of a Group winning mare.”
Second on the overall buyer’s list, Shawn Dugan had the last word when going to €700,000 for lot 4, from the family of black-type performers PLUMANIA, PLUMATIC and LEFT HAND from Ecurie des Monceaux.
“She’s absolutely stunning, obviously. We went a lot higher than we wanted to but she’s just gorgeous. There’s nothing wrong with her, the stallion’s on fire and the family is live, that’s all I can say. We’re very happy. She’s been bought for an undisclosed client of mine but she will stay in training in France as she is a French bred. She’s an absolute stunner.”
Shawn Dugan also bought the half-sister to Fleeting (lot 54) for €400,000 from Haras d’Ombreville.
“She’s a lovely filly from an excellent family, half-sister to one of the best fillies in Europe. Her new owner is very happy! She was born in late April, so she’s going to blossom a lot still hopefully. She’ll stay in France to go into training.”
The sale continues on Sunday 18 August.
