The Dubawi half-sister to Gr1 winners Sottsass and Sistercharlie was widely touted as a potential sale topper and so it proved when the chestnut sold for €2.5 million on Thursday.
Offered by Ecurie des Monceaux, the hammer eventually fell in favour of British-based agent Oliver St Lawrence, standing with Bahraini Fawzi Nass. (pic Arqana/Zuzanna Lupa)
“She’s a lovely filly with an exceptional pedigree,” Nass told the Arqana website. “I’ve bought her for His Highness Nasser Al Khalifa, in partnership with KHK Racing.
“She’ll come back to England, but we haven’t got a trainer in mind for her yet – we’ll decide soon!
“These types of fillies are very rare and difficult to get because there is an enormous amount of interest in them. We never doubted that we could get her! We’re delighted to have succeeded.”
A Galileo brother to Gr1 winner Magic Wand proved to be the highest priced colt when selling for €2 million to M V Magnier after a bidding duel with David Redvers.
“He’s a lovely colt that walks very well,” Magnier said. “He’s from a fantastic family that we
have already had a lot of luck with. Chicquita and Magic Wand have given us a lot of joy on the racetrack, and we hope that he will follow in their footsteps.
Another seven-figure transaction was the Kingman colt related to six-time Gr1 winner Stacelita that was knocked down to Anthony Stroud on behalf of Godolphin at €1.1 million.
The sister to dual Arc heroine Treve attracted plenty of attention and she eventually sold to agent Gerard Larrieu for €520,000, later confirming the daughter of Motivator will remain in France.
“Her sister gave us all some wonderful moments and there is no reason why that shouldn’t be repeated with this filly,” Larrieu said. “I’ve bought her for Shael Al Kuwari and she will now join the stable of Fabrice Chappet.”
Following the sale, ARQANA’s President Eric Hoyeau said, “The very disturbed environment
we have been living in for the past few months prompted changes in the date and format of the sale, which meant that year on year figures are not comparable.
“Over the two-day Part 1, the market proved very selective and contrasted, with the fierce competition for the best individuals unable to eclipse the unsatisfactory clearance rate.
“We must bear in mind though that the sheer fact of being able to hold this sale is a victory, and all credit goes to the vendors who have proved incredibly adaptable and resilient throughout the roller-coaster ride that has been the run-up to this sale.
“There is no doubt that ARQANA is nothing without them. The major role played by European professionals also needs to be highlighted. They have stepped up in very proactive fashion to act on behalf of all those who were prevented from travelling to Deauville due to the sanitary crisis.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to all the buyers and underbidders who have supported the sale, whether on the grounds or from afar.”