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| Staff Writer |
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Track record: Notable previous graduates include Multiple Group One winner Romanised and Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Lily's Candle
Ross Doyle made his presence felt early in the session, securing a standout Showcasing colt from Haras du Mont Dit Mont for €170,000 (US$183,285) during the opening day of Part Two at the Arqana October Yearling Sale.
The transaction marks another milestone for Mont Dit Mont, following their joint-topping lot during Part One of this prestigious autumn sale.
The athletic yearling (Lot 235) represents the third produce of Dream Ahead mare Vivid Dream, herself a half-sister to listed scorer Shamtee. The deep pedigree features influential sires Territories, Street Cry, Victor Ludorum, and Shamardal.
Mont Dit Mont's strategic approach is paying dividends, having secured Vivid Dream for €125,000 at the 2020 Arqana Breeding Stock Sale. Their previous success includes campaigning Shamtee, a €240,000 yearling purchase, under their Prime Equestrian banner.
The prized colt is destined for Scandinavian ownership, with Magne Jordanger's Stall Perlen joining forces with Finn Blichfeldt. The partnership has already tasted success through Listed winner Tiego The First.
"He's just a lovely individual. He was our pick of the day, very nice, very racy," said Doyle. "I think he should hopefully be an early season 2YO; he's a very good mover, very strong and a typical good Showcasing."
The bloodstock agent added: "He comes from a good farm and a good family and we bought him for a partnership of Scandinavian clients to stay in France with Pia Brandt."
The opening session demonstrated remarkable strength, with six yearlings commanding €100,000 or more, surpassing last year's four at the equivalent session. Out of the 125 lots offered, 97 found new homes, generating turnover of €4,341,000 (US$4,680,227) – a significant 24% increase. The average price showed similar vigour at €44,753 (US$48,250), marking a 25% improvement year-on-year.
Previous winners emerging from this segment of the sale include 2018 Irish 2000 Guineas victor Romanised, who went on to claim the Gr.1 Prix Jacques le Marois, and Lily's Candle, successful in the 2018 Gr.1 Prix Marcel Boussac.