The average price during the third session of Arqana’s Deauville August yearling sale in France Aug. 15 was down 7% from a year ago to €72,758 ($92,759 in U.S. funds), and the median price rose 8% to €65,000 ($82,869).
The clearance rate fell from 73% in 2009 to 68% as the 65 horses that sold grossed €4,686,000 ($5,974,180).
A Dubawi – Samya colt brougth the top price of €240,000 ($305,976). Sylvain Vidal, acting on behalf of Gérard Augustin-Normand, purchased the yearling from Ecurie des Monceaux.
“We are satisfied about today’s average, however the market was very selective as reflected in the lower clearance rate,” said Arqana president Eric Hoyeau. “Overall we seem to be returning to the sort of figures that we saw in 2007, which is not so bad! The main issue though is that this year’s yearlings were produced off high nominations fees. It will be interesting to see how tomorrow’s session unfolds as the vast majority of yearlings on offer will be eligible for the French premiums, which seems to have been a key factor so far.”