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| Staff Writer |
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The final session of the Arqana October Yearling Sale in Deauville witnessed Haras d'Ombreville's colt by Sea The Moon commanding top billing at €50,000 (US$54,012). The youngster, catalogued as Lot 729, boasts strong bloodlines being a half-brother to the listed-placed Diadema, whilst his sire De Treville shares maternal lines with champion Too Darn Hot, whose progeny Hotazhell recently claimed the Gr.1 Futurity Trophy Stakes.
Part One's remarkable opening session saw twin top lots reaching €500,000 (US$540,550), approaching the sale's record of €525,000 established in 2020. Past graduates of this prestigious sale include Persian King, winner of the Gr.1 Prix d'Ispahan and French 2000 Guineas, and Sealiway, who claimed the Gr.1 Champion Stakes at Ascot.
The second segment demonstrated impressive gains, with the average soaring 26% to €37,942 (US$40,976). Arqana president Olivier Delloye and communications director Freddy Powell expressed satisfaction, stating: "These last five days have ended in the best of ways and we can only be satisfied with the results."
Despite increased numbers, the final portion saw declining figures across key metrics. The average dropped 18% to €12,303 (US$13,287), while the median fell 20% to €10,000 (US$10,800).
Notable Statistics:
• Part One achieved a record six-figure average of €105,000 (US$113,397), up 15%
• Clearance rate improved from 83% to 86% in Part One
• Part Two's median rose 30% to €30,000 (US$32,399)
• Overall turnover for Part Two reached €8,840,500 (US$9,547,740)
• Part Three's aggregate improved 7% to €2,473,000 (US$2,670,771)
The five-day extravaganza clearly demonstrated the current market's polarisation, with elite bloodstock maintaining strong demand while the commercial sector faces increasing selectivity from purchasers.
This autumn's renewal has firmly established itself as a key fixture in the European bloodstock calendar, continuing to attract international investment despite challenging global economic conditions.