Group 3 Winner Air de Valse Tops Arqana Day 1

The first sale of the year at the Elie de Brignac complex, the Arqana February Mixed Sale, began in Deauville the morning of Feb. 14 with flat and National Hunt horses in training followed by 2-year-olds, stores, and the first half of the breeding stock section.

Bringing together fewer horses than last year, 111 of the 148 horses that went through the ring Tuesday changed hands for an aggregate of €1,805,000 (US$1,929,798), posting a 9.59% increase year-on-year. The average price of €16,261 ($17,385) was up 38.23%, and the median was €9,000 ($9,622). 

During the opening session last year, 140 horses sold of the 181 through the ring for gross figures of €1,647,000, at an average of €11,764 and a median of €6,000.

The Euro as of Feb. 14 is equal to US$1.0691.

Eagerly awaited in the ring, Prix du Petit Couvert (G3) winner of 2020 Air de Valse , consigned by Barande-Barbe as Lot 51, made the top price of the day when knocked down for €240,000 ($256,594) to Bridge Consignment. The Corine Barande Barbe-trained mare has also been multiple group placed, including when runner-up in the 2021 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (G1).

Accompanying the entourage, Jérôme Glandais, the director of Haras du Logis Saint-Germain, said, "She's been bought for Mr. Benaroussi, who continues to invest in breeding. For the moment, we haven't decided what stallion she will go to or where she will be boarded."

Among the final Lots to go under the hammer Tuesday, Majal (Lot 173) made €102,000 in favor of Eamon Reilly (BBA Ireland). Offered from Haras de Bouquetot, the daughter of Shalaa  out of group winner Peaceful Love  is a half sister to Pao Alto , the winner of the Prix de la Force (G3). The blue-blooded filly hails from the family of Palmas , victorious in the Preis der Diana-German Oaks (G1), as well as group winners Peace Royale  and Peace in Motion . After signing the docket, Reilly said, "She's a lovely filly that moves nicely and has an exceptional pedigree page. She'll come back to Ireland and start her broodmare career." 

The sale concludes Wednesday with Lots 181-361 scheduled to go though the ring beginning at 11 a.m. (local time).