The third and penultimate day of the Deauville Breeding Stock Sale in France on Dec. 6 registered slight increases over the same session last year. The Arqana sales company reported total sales of €1,266,000 (US$1,686,248), up 5%, and an average price of €8,221 ($10,950), up 2%. The clearance rate was marginally down at 66%.
Over the first three sessions (the equivalent of last year’s entire sale), sales have increased 18% to €15,697,000 ($20,905,272), up 18%, for an average price of €31,520 ($41,979), up 21%.
Two mares shared top billing of the day when fetching €42,000 ($55,937). The first was Vezara (lot 503), a young mare from the Aga Khan Studs, offered in foal to Slickly and knocked down to trainer David Smaga. She is by Grand Lodge and out of the Prix de Diane (Fr-I) heroine Vereva, from the family of the group I winners Valanour, Yashgan, and Vayrann.
Later in the day, Salontanzerin (lot 698), a 5-year-old mare offered out of training, was purchased for the same price by a Moroccan association of Thoroughbred breeders, represented by Driss Tarik. This daughter of Black Sam Bellamy, consigned by Haras du Taillis, is a half sister to a group winner and was produced from the family of tough stayer Peppertree Lane.
Investors from Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya were very active throughout the day, signing the docket for around 40 lots, while about 20 mares will be bound for Turkey.
The final session will be held Dec. 7.