The market didn’t lose much ground from a year ago during the opening session of the Arqana October yearling sale at Deauville in France Oct. 19. Compared to 2008, the gross revenue fell only 1.5% and the average price declined 5.9%.
A Montjeu colt was the most expensive horse sold, bringing €105,000 ($156,575 in U.S. funds) from England-based trainer Paul Cole. Consigned by Haras d’Etreham, the bay yearling is the first foal out of the 6-year-old Australian-bred Giant's Causeway mare Spirit of South, who finished third in her only career race. She is a half-sister to five stakes winners, including French group III winner Daralinsha (by Empery), two-time Hong Kong Gold Cup (HK-II) winner Derebey (by Little Current), and Australian group III winner Gentle Genius (by Danehill).
The results for the opening session included a gross of €2,397,000 ($3,574,382) for the 90 horses that sold. The average was €26,663 ($39,715), and the clearance rate was 76.9%. Private sales totaled €31,000 ($46,227).
Last year, the 86 horses that sold grossed €2,433,000 and averaged €28,291. The clearance rate was 71.7%. Private sales totaled €134,000.
