Friday's abbreviated final session of the Arqana October Yearling Sale saw 91 additional yearlings go under the hammer in Deauville, with 76 finding new homes for a clearance rate of 83.5%. The average of €12,132 was down 5.3% from the same session last year, while the median remained steady at €10,000.
Cumulatively, 571 yearlings were offered throughout the week, with 452 sold. That represented a clearance rate of 79%, which was down from 81% last year. The average and median were also both very slightly off, the average falling 3.7% to €40,345, and the median down to €26,000 from €27,000. The aggregate for four days' trade was €18,236,000.
Topping trade on Friday was lot 545, a first-crop son of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and G2 Champagne S. winner Outstrip (GB) bought by BBA Ireland for €37,000. He is the first foal out of the German stakes-placed Sign Your Name (Ger) (Areion) and comes from the extended family of Group 1 winners like Epaulette (Aus), National Defense (Ire), Ave and this year's G1 1000 Guineas winner Billesdon Brook.
Arqana Chairman Eric Hoyeau said, “From a slightly smaller catalogue, this year's October Yearling Sale posted a set of results very close to the record levels reached over the past two years. The €360,000 paid for a Siyouni filly by leading U.S. owner George Bolton, who was visiting Deauville for the first time, was the second-highest price in the sale's history. A number of other yearlings which combined a commercial pedigree and physical achieved good prices, whether they were bought by fresh investors such as Sheikh Obaid and John Foote or regular buyers who have been lucky with their purchases – Antoine Griezmann, Shadwell, the Hong Kong Jockey Club are typical examples, alongside a host of European agents and trainers who have consistently found value for money in this ring.”
“However, one cannot ignore the contrast between the top and bottom end of the market, a situation that has been observed at several other auctions over the past few months. The buyers' criteria have become as strict as ever, which caused a number of horses to fall through the cracks. We shall take the necessary time and hindsight to review the results and consult with all stakeholders in order to identify what adjustments need to be made in terms of quantity, sales format, etc. As far as demand is concerned, we are continuously working to bolster our workforce and strategy in a bid to keep boosting the attractiveness of our sales.”
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