Arqana Vendors In The Spotlight: Q&A With Haras de Beaufay

[Wandering Eyes]

Haras de Beaufay manager Sebastien Bloyet is next in the hot seat. Bloyet joined the famous stud farm a little under a year ago and says he is looking forward to offering a St Mark's Basilica colt [lot 13] at the Arqana August Sale this week. He shares all in TDN Europe's latest consignor Q&A ahead of the three-day sale which begins on Saturday in Deauville. 

Can you tell us a little bit about the background of your consignment?

I took over my role at the Haras de Beaufay in November, 2024, after spending two years in Ireland at Ballyphilip Stud. I have worked at Thoroughbred farms for over 16 years, including at the Haras de Grandcamp, the Haras de Montaigu, and at Bouquetot, where I was the yearling manager. Haras de Beaufay has already consigned horses at the August sale. Last year, they sold the half-sister to Rashabar by Acclamation for €600,000 to Carlos and Yann Lerner. The facilities are ideal for preparing horses. We are thrilled to participate in the August Sale. Our yearlings have the right criteria for this sale.

What young sires are you most looking forward to seeing the progeny [yearlings or foals] of this season?

My attention will be on the yearlings by Baaeed and Blackbeard, in particular, the latter, because we have a beautiful foal who is destined for the sales next year. Baaeed was an excellent racehorse. His wins were impressive, so I'm interested in him and hoping for the ability to have the chance to be able to use him for one of our mares. Blackbeard showed precocity and a speed on the track that was eye-catching. 

In your experience, what type of horse does particularly well at the August Sale?

One thing that is certain is that they'll need a very good pedigree. A yearling with a certain physical maturity, since the sale is early, and in a perfect world, a very good walker.

What are you expecting from the market this year?

We are all hopeful, but the top always will sell well. Now, we have to wait to see if the American buyers will be put off because the tariffs have increased. 

What is your best memory on the sale ground at Arqana?

The best moment for me was a pinhooking success with a group of friends who were new to the business and that created an unforgettable buzz. We had found a foal at the Arqana December sale and brought it to the October Arqana sale. Sharing moments between buying and reselling is exciting and they all appreciated it. 

And when you do get that all-important result in the sales ring, how do you like to celebrate?

For me, personally, it's with the people who participated in the adventure. And, at Haras de Beaufay, it's with the team who does such important work at the heart of the farm.

And who would be your guests?

My friends and the TDN!

If you weren't involved in bloodstock, what career path would you have taken?

I love the land. It would have probably been in cattle breeding. 

Tell us something that people don't know about you?

I sang in a choir when I was young and I still get royalties. 

Do you have any superstitions or good-luck charms?

My good-luck charm was just born two weeks ago. It's a little female dog that I'm going to go pick up in Ireland.

One thing you cannot live without during sale season?

Sales catalogues. I spend my time reading them, doing research to learn as much as possible about maternal bloodlines and crosses. 

Best piece of advice you ever received?

The first job of a breeder is observation. And that works for everyone.

Your one wish for the upcoming yearling sales?

I hope that all the yearlings that we will present end up in good homes. It's very important for their future, but also for ours.

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