A filly by War Front topped the Arqana Breeze-Up sale at Doncaster on Wednesday when selling to agent Kerri Radcliffe for £650,000.
The Grove Stud-consigned filly was bred in North America and the second foal out of Beauty Parlor (Elusive Quality), a Listed winner in France than Grade 2 winner in the US. The granddam is Group 2 winner Moon Queen (Sadler’s Wells) who produced seven winners including The Brother War (War Front) while the third dam is Group 1 winner Infamy (Shirley Heights).
Radcliffe said the filly will likely return stateside to race for Larry Best, who races under the OXO Equine banner.
“I’m thrilled to say I’ve bought her for Larry Best of Oxo Equine,” Radcliffe told the EBN. “I believe this is his first purchase in Europe and I’d say she’s off to Saratoga, and I might just go with her if it’s the only way I can get back to America!
“Goffs and Arqana have done an amazing job to get the sale on, and the vendors as well for keeping these horses for as long as they have. The same goes for Tattersalls last week, I’m delighted for everybody that it’s gone so well.”
The second highest lot of the sale was a £620,000 colt by Street Boss, consigned by Malcolm Bastard. The half-brother to Listed winner Cristalle was knocked down to Matt Coleman and will head to Hong Kong to join the stable of John Size.
64 of the 77 lots offered were sold, grossing €9,905,170. The average of €154,768 was up 20% on last year’s figure of €129,798 whilst the median rose 11% to €83,600. The clearance rate of 83% was up from 79% a year ago.
Arqana CEO Eric Hoyeau and exective director Freddy Powell said in a statement they were delighted with the results.
“A few weeks or even days ago, we wouldn’t have dared hope for such results,” they said
“It has been a long and winding road with a few pot holes along the way! The dominant feeling is immense relief that this sale, which was initially scheduled almost two months ago, has been allowed to take place and we are thrilled that the vendors are being rewarded for their patience.
“Our heartfelt congratulations go to the pinhookers who have showed unbelievable resilience, maintained their faith in Arqana and Goffs, resisted private offers and adapted the preparation of their horses to the changing circumstances.
“Sunday’s breeze session made a big impression – what a great testimony to the know-how of all these horsemen and women to produce two-year-olds in such physical and mental condition. Today’s figures pay a well-deserved tribute to their talent.”