American owner and breeder Earle I. Mack purchased the session-topping horse as Arqana’s Deauville October yearling sale opened in France Oct. 18. The former U.S. Ambassador to Finland and philanthropist, buying in the name of Citywest, paid €195,000 ($272,491 in U.S. funds) for a Dylan Thomas colt, which is a member of his sire’s first crop. Fiona Shaw represented Mack in the transaction.
Offered by the Coulonces Consignment, the bay yearling is the third foal produced from the unraced Galileo mare Gabare, who is a half sister to 1997 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte (Fr-II) winner Roi Gironde (by Fairy King), 1992 Prix Cleopatre (Fr-III) winner Garendare (by Vacarme), and English stakes winner Port Vila (by Barathea).
Mack also purchased a Mr. Greeley – Classira filly for €72,000 ($100,612).
"The French-bred, premium program is very friendly for owners," said Mack in a statement released by Kentucky-based Pope Advertising. "I already have three French-breds in training and look forward to expanding my racing stable there."
The results for the first session included a gross of €3,619,000 ($5,057,150) for the 98 yearlings that sold. The average price was €36,929 ($51,604), and the clearance rate was 76.6% for the 128 horses offered. Private sales generated an additional €40,000 ($68,472).