The market was upbeat at Arqana’s autumn sale of horses in training at Saint-Cloud in France Nov. 17. The average price for the one-day auction (down from two in 2007) of 20,688 euros was almost the same as last year’s 20,959-euro average. The 93 horses sold grossed 1,924,000 euros, which was down 6.3% from last year’s total of 2,054,000 euros for 98 horses.
The clearance rate was 74.4% compared to 65.8% in 2007. Private sales generated 115,000 euros this year.
Albahri, a 3-year-old gelding that carried the Aga Khan’s colors to victory at the listed level, topped the sale, bringing 140,000 euros from Oceanic Bloodstock, which is based in the United States. Offered from the yard of Chantilly trainer Mike Delzangles, Albahri has two wins in five races and is nominated for the Dubai Racing Carnival.
“The return to a more concentrated and select one-day session is a definite success,” said Arqana president Eric Hoyeu. “Under the current circumstances, to sell three horses in training out of four and keep the average stable is quite a performance. Finally, we are most satisfied to have seen such a diversified range of investors up to a remarkable price level.”