Darysina, a Kentucky-bred daughter of two-time U.S. leading sire Smart Strike, sold Dec. 7 for €800,000 ($1,096,446 in U.S. funds), the highest price on opening day of the Arqana breeding stock sale, which posted solid returns.
British bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever secured the 3-year-old filly out of 1999 Prix de Diane (Fr-I, French Oaks) winner Daryaba on behalf of Dr. Philip Brown. Offered in the consignment of her breeder, Aga Khan Studs, Darysina is a half sister to 2009 Hong Kong Vase (HK-I) victress Daryakana.
Arqana reported the day's total receipts of €18,252,500 ($25,016,104, including private sales) were up by 31%, compared with figures on opening day last year. There were 159 broodmares, fillies, and foals sold for clearance rate of 80.3%. The average price was €114,196 ($156,512), up 24.5%
Additionally, 55 horses sold for €100,000 or more compared with 37 on the same day in 2012.
Brown told the Racing Post that the session-topping Smart Strike filly, who was twice placed from five career starts for train Alain de Royer-Dupre, will be sent to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Watership Down Stud, where she will be genetically tested to determine a mating for the 2014 season.
"I'm delighted to have been able to purchase her, as I really wanted to buy into the Aga Khan's bloodlines," Brown said.
Arqana chairman Eric Hoyeau said opening day results were in line with the international trend.
"The market at Deauville once again proved its capacity for attracting a very international panel of buyers with a sustained activity from professionals based in France, in Europe as well as Australia, the United States, and Japan," he said.
The Arqana breeding stock sale continues Dec. 8 with the second session.
