Tony Lacy of Four Star Sales is the new North American representative for Arqana, a Thoroughbred auction firm that is based in France.
“Our fast-expanding company has implemented an ambitious globalization strategy since its inception in 2006, with the aim of giving our sales a more international profile,” said Arqana president Eric Hoyeau. “America, as the largest Thoroughbred market in the world, has obviously been a priority target, especially as we are convinced that business opportunities between Europe and North America will develop sharply in the next few years. Therefore we are greatly satisfied to have found the right man for such a key position in Tony.”
Lacy, who has worked for Four Star Sales since the company was founded in 2002, is a sales and bloodstock consultant. He also manages racing and pinhooking partnerships involving a global clientele. Prior to settling definitively in Kentucky, he had spent five years in Dubai as assistant trainer to Erwan Charpy. He also worked for Wintergreen farm and yearling-to-juvenile pinhooker Jerry Bailey. He also has worked for trainers Emmanuel Chevalier du Fau and Henri-Alex Pantall in France.
Lacy’s role with Arqana will be to make breeders, trainers, and owners in the United States and Canada aware of the opportunities available at the French auctions to buyers and vendors alike.
During this year’s Arqana August yearling sale, Taylor Made Sales Agency, whose yearlings were consigned by Haras des Capucines, sold a Distorted Humor filly for 260,000 euros to Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mithab (SKAS) and a Gone Westcolt for 170,000 euros to Mark Player of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Airdrie Stud, also through Capucines, offered a daughter of Canadian Frontier, which was knocked down to Shadwell for 250,000 euros, while Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm, selling through Haras d’Etreham, offered an El Corredor filly that went to Peter Doyle on a 140,000-euro bid. Another U.S.;-owned filly, a daughter of Empire Maker out of the grade I winner You, fetched €350,000 on a bid from Prince Mithab.
“I am humbled and excited to have been chosen by Arqana to be their representative in North America,” Lacy said. “I have been extremely impressed with the management’s dynamic nature and ambitious goals. Their recent sales results have been a testament to their efforts to date. This industry has become increasingly global, and a broad network is an essential part of success in our ever-changing marketplace. I look forward to being an integral part of their future development and growth in this region.”