Great Pretender Mare Tops Arqana Finale

[Wandering Eyes]

Trade switched to the National Hunt sphere during the final session of the Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale and A Mi Manera (Fr) (Great Pretender {Ire}) (lot 971) took top honours at €120,000 to NBB Racing. Consigned by Francois Nicolle, the 6-year-old, a MGSW chaser, is a half-sister to the listed-placed Fixe Le Kap (Fr) (Kapgarde {Fr}).

The stallion prospect and G1SW Silverwave (Fr) (Silver Frost {Ire}) (lot 828) from Haras des Capucines brought €105,000 from George Mullins. The 7-year-old is a half-brother to G1SW Stormy River (Fr) (Verglas {Ire}).

Equaling that lot’s price was GSW jumper Royale Joana Has (Fr), a daughter of the recently deceased Martaline (GB). Hamel Stud’s bay filly (lot 1038) was snapped up by Richard Venn acting for Kieran Mariga’s Coolmara Stables. She is a half to fellow G3 Prix Hopper victress Royale Maria Has (Fr) (No Risk At All {Fr}).

Monday’s session ended with 122 sold from 184 offered (66.3%) for a gross of €2,308,500. The average of €18,922 (-24.4%) and the median of €10,000 (-33.3%) both posted declines. In 2018’s equivalent session, the dispersal of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede made up most of the star lots.    Looking at trade over the past four days, 701 sold from 918 offered (76.4%), up 0.6% on 2018. The gross increased to €34,426,500, while the average stayed flat €49,111 (+0.1%) and the median ticked up to €19,000 (+5.6%).

“It’s been a thrilling four days and I take a bow to the tremendous work put on by our vendors and consignors to bring such attractive horses to the ring,” said Arqana President Eric Hoyeau. “The appetite for French breeding stock has probably never been higher, as exemplified by the demand for foals by Almanzor (Fr), Wootton Bassett (GB) or Shalaa (Ire), mares in foals to Siyouni (Fr) or Le Havre (Ire), families from our leading breeders as well as National Hunt stock. We have welcomed a record number of buyers from Europe and beyond including many first-time visitors which is a brilliant credit to the efforts of our bloodstock team and international representatives. Last but not least, the efficiency of our customers’ service has made light work of the public transport strike and enabled all our clients to make the most of their stay in the unique location that is Deauville. Let me wish everyone a pleasant festive season and quality time with their families.”

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