Arqana Vendors In The Spotlight: Q&A With Arcadia Elevage

[Wandering Eyes]

Antoine Bellanger is another young gun making waves in France. After spending over 10 years working under Henri Bozo at Monceaux, the 39-year-old set up his own consignment business at Arcadia Elevage in 2019, and the outfit has gone from strength to strength ever since. 

Arcadia Elevage offers just one horse this week, a Sea The Stars colt [lot 295], and Bellanger said he is optimistic ahead of what is shaping up to be a strong Arqana August Sale. 

What type of horse does well at this sale?

The biggest thing you need is quality. Obviously the sale comes quite early so they need to be quite mature and possibly have a bit of preciosity for it all to come together. But, you know, you can find any type of horse in this sale – you can buy fast horses and nicer three-year-old types as well. You need quality in the pedigree number one and a horse that is physically mature enough to take the prep well. 

What are your expectations for the market?

We have got a lot of question marks about the market and it's hard to predict due to tariffs and other things so that is quite a hard question to answer. The one thing that is extremely positive is the amount of people on the ground inspecting horses this week. Hopefully that means it will be a lively sale and the market will be strong. 

Your favourite Arqana memory?

We've got a few. We are still a very young operation but we had a few nice pinhooking results with friends down through the years and now we are starting to offer our own homebreds, which, I have to say is quite a pleasure because we have been with them from the start. 

Where do you go in Deauville to celebrate a sales success?

I usually prefer a quiet drink at the sales bar with the team and clients just to unwind and enjoy the moment.

Best piece of advice you received?

I think the best advice I ever got was to do things your own way. Of course, you have to look about what the people do next to you, but it is important to do things your own way and always give things one hundred per cent so that you will have no regrets. 

Biggest influence on your career?

Henri Bozo. I worked for 12 years with him and that was a very good experience. It was especially good to see the progress of Monceaux in a little over 10 years because, when I started at Monceaux, I have to say it was quite a small farm. How much it has grown in that time is amazing. I learned a lot there. 

Do you have a good-luck charm?

Not really. I believe more in hard work than in luck.

What is your must-have snack at your marquee to get you through the sales season?

Any sweets or pastry with a nice cup of coffee. Not very healthy I admit but rather comforting.

What first-crop stallion's progeny has caught your eye?

Starman seems off to a great start. In France, I'm keeping a close eye on Victor Ludorum and Armor. I'm very much looking forward to see the first foals of Paddington, Modern Games and Chaldean this year.

What television streaming series are you bingeing right now?

To be original, I will say a French series called OVNI(s). A refreshing and funny series, somewhere between The X-Files and Stranger Things, with an immersive 1970s atmosphere. Entertaining and the soundtrack is fantastic.

Favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere with nice landscapes, great food and a peaceful atmosphere. I have to say French Brittany has some beautiful spots. The sun may be a bit shy there, but it's a region full of character.

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