Demand for horses-in-training, both Flat and National Hunt, resulted in a strong session during Monday's Arqana Autumn Sale. The dual Grade 1-winning hurdler Master Dino (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}) (lot 189), offered by La Motteraye Consignment, was knocked down to Herve Bunel of BHB Agency for €420,000 to top proceedings. A winner of the G1 Prix Renaud du Vivier and G1 Prix Cambaceres, the 5-year-old gelding was put through the ring to dissolve a partnership.
Trade was lively all day, with 183 sold (88%) from 183. The gross rose 45% to €5,607,500, while the average rose by even more at €34,829 (+47%). Another index to show a positive result was the median of €14,000, a 40% increase on 2018's equivalent session.
Coming in as the second dearest lot on the day was the hurdler Gentleman de Mee (Fr) (Saint des Saints {Fr}). The sophomore AQPS gelding, sold as lot 225 from trainer Guillaume Macaire, brought €280,000 from Hubert Barbe of Horse Racing Advisory and Charlie Swan. Twice second in two starts, he is a half-brother to fellow AQPS and Group 3 winner over hurdles As de Mee (Fr) (Kapgarde {Fr}).
“He is a lovely big horse who looks a real chaser in the making, a staying chaser,” said Swan of the wildcard entry. “Hopefully he'll do well. We'll put him away for this year.”
Swan was also in action for lot 217b, the placed hurdler Capodanno (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}). Consigned by Daniela Mele, the 3-year-old gelding brought €185,000 and was second at Compiegne on Nov. 1.
Guy Petit made the winning €260,000 bid on fellow Mele trainee Stratagem (Fr) (Sunday Break {Jpn}) (lot 207b). A winner of his lone start over hurdles in mid-October, the 3-year-old gelding is a half-brother to the listed chase winner Ziga Boy (Fr) (Califet {Fr}).
Grade 2-placed AQPS Gaillard du Mesnil (Fr) (Saint des Saints {Fr}) (lot 214) will now be trained by Willie Mullins, after Pierre Boulard of PB Bloodstock Services and Harold Kirk joined forces to secure the grey on Mullins's behalf for €250,000. From the consignment of Isabelle Gallorini, the sophomore gelding was runner-up in the G3 Prix de l'Avenir (AQPS) on Oct. 26.
Mount Popa (Ire) (Maxios {GB}) (lot 183) is bound for Australia and Team Hawkes, as Stephen Hillen shelled out €200,000 to acquire the consistent stayer. Never off the board in 10 starts, the 4-year-old gelding, who raced in the colours of the Niarchos Family, is a half-brother to SW & MGSP Unnefer (Fr) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}).
A winner on debut at Cholet, AQPS Gloire D'Athon (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}) caught the eye of Alex Elliott and sold for €200,000. The gelding was another late entry as lot 198b, and was trained previously by Alain Couetil.
Four-year-old entire Folburg de Palma (Fr) (Sageburg {Ire}), a dual winner from five starts, sold for €190,000 to Karel Jalovy of Loko Trans. Sold as lot 223 and offered by Gabriel Leenders, he was second in the G3 Prix de l'Avenir (AQPS) as a 3-year-old last term.
Tuesday's session, consisting of National Hunt yearlings and stores, begins at 10 a.m. local time.
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