Amadeo Leads AKTEM Turnover Sale At Maisons-Laffitte
Amadeo, a son of Cracksman, changed hands privately for €150,000 (US$172,000) at the AKTEM Turnover Sale in Maisons-Laffitte on Friday 18 September 2026.
Amadeo won his latest start in a competitive handicap at Saint-Cloud, having opened his account earlier in 2026 at Lyon-Parilly.
The AKTEM Turnover Sale, dedicated to horses in training, introduced the Flat Yearling Sale on 18 September 2026 and offered 112 lots, of which 57 changed hands for a total turnover of €782,500 (US$897,000).
Presented by Alessandro Botti, Amadeo, a son of Cracksman from the family of Moonlight Cloud, was purchased privately by Dany Cooper (DC Bloodstock) on behalf of Emmet Mullins.
Cooper said Amadeo will head to Ireland to join Emmet Mullins’ new stable at Jim Bolger’s racing base in Coolcullen, adding that Mullins loved the horse, thought he was physically perfect and is looking for good profiles of this type to build the stable and target 3YO hurdle races.
Nuage D Ivresse, a 3YO gelding and son of Ectot presented by Haras de Mirande and trained by Isabelle Pacault, attracted a winning bid of €80,000 (US$92,000) from Guy Petit after winning over 2600 metres at Morlaix on his latest start and finishing second on each of his first two outings.
Nuage D Ivresse is out of a mare who won over fences at Compiègne and comes from a thriving jumping family. Acting on behalf of his client, Petit said he bought the gelding for Venetia Williams and described a horse who looks quite late-maturing and immature physically but has nevertheless won a bumper at three, which gives plenty of hope for a horse who certainly has a future over fences. “We thought we would have to pay more to secure him,” Petit said.
Yearling Fillies By Zarak And Galiway
Established sires led the yearlings, although several first-season sires also made their mark.
Presented by Haras de l’Hotellerie, Lot 76, a filly by Zarak out of the black-type mare Angelissima, drew bidding to €36,000 (US$41,000) from George Mullins and comes from the Wertheimer & Frère family of Adhamo, Impassable, Spotify and Attendu.
Lot 69, a filly by Galiway out of Zhaleh, sold for €30,000 (US$34,000) to the partnership of Narvick International and OTI Racing and belongs to the family of Group Two winner Zinziberine and Group Three winner Zanzibari. Zulu Kingdom’s third-place finish in the Gr.1 Fourstardave Stakes at Saratoga was among the pedigree updates.
Presented by Haras de la Soudarderie, Lot 23, a filly by first-season sire Military Style, sold to CR Bloodstock for €32,000 (US$37,000), the second-highest yearling price, and comes from the family of Group One winners Taipan, Sleepytime, Lazzat and Ali-Royal.
Presented by Haras du Lieu des Champs, Lot 68, a colt by first-season sire Mishriff, was purchased by Gianluca Bietolini for €27,000 (US$31,000) and comes from the family of Group One winners Almaqam, Brocade, Barathea, Gossamer and Program Trading, and Group Two winner Saamidd.
Speaking after the colt’s appearance in the ring, Richard Powell said, “He was a well-minded colt who behaved very well at home and progressed extremely well throughout his preparation. In a difficult market today, he managed to stand out. He will be joining Gianluca Bietolini’s stable, so he will remain in Maisons-Laffitte for the next stage of his career, at the superb training centre. I am delighted for his breeder, who is leaving the sale extremely satisfied.”
Presented by Haras de Castillon, Lot 73, a son of Thunder Moon and half-brother to Omicrone, sold for €26,000 (US$30,000) and comes from the family of Group One winner Pipalong and Group winners Walk On Bye, Came From The Dark and Shamwari Lodge. The lot also caught the eye of Seror Racing Management.
Lessons From The AKTEM Turnover Sale
Guy Petit, Bloodstock Consultant for AKTEM, said the first edition dedicated to flat yearlings fell at the very end of the summer yearling sales calendar, against a particularly challenging economic backdrop. The recent announcement of France Galop’s restructuring plan had reinforced the caution of investors and trainers, who were finding it difficult to plan ahead in an uncertain environment, he said.
“While the headline result of this first edition fell short of our expectations, several aspects are nevertheless very encouraging,” Petit said. “The presence of major names from the racing world, including André and Lavinia Fabre, OTI Racing and Harold Kirk, as well as that of young local trainers, demonstrates the interest generated by this new sale and its potential.”
Petit said the first edition provided valuable lessons, allowing AKTEM to fine-tune its organisation, anticipate buyers’ expectations more effectively and build a stronger edition in 2027, notably by considering from the outset a greater focus on horses in training. He thanked the breeders and vendors who placed their trust in AKTEM, whose support he called essential for the sale to become established over time and gradually find its place in the sales calendar.
