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| Staff Writer |
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Lucien Urano, riding high after his Prix du Jockey Club success with Look de Vega, has strengthened his hand at Arqana's October Sale, securing a well-related Pinatubo filly for US$135,356.
The racing mogul's latest acquisition, Matauri Queen, hails from the family of Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Aunt Pearl. Previous winners of this prestigious race include Lady Eli (2014), who went on to land five Group One contests, and Newspaperofrecord (2018), who later captured the Just A Game Stakes.
Part Two of the October Sale has witnessed remarkable growth, with average prices soaring 25% to US$41,023. The robust median figure of US$32,486 represents significant progress from last year's returns.
Emeric Guetin of Meridian International, speaking after securing Matauri Queen, said: "She's a beautiful filly and has been purchased for Monsieur Urano's Ecurie des Charmes, who has had plenty of success in terms of his breeding program. Monsieur Urano loved the filly and the family—we had plenty of success with Aunt Pearl—while we hope Pinatubo might be about to take off."
The purchase comes during a stellar season for Urano's operation, with Newlook landing the Listed Prix Vulcain at Deauville. His string has been firing on all cylinders, with Minoushka finishing a neck second in the Gr.3 Prix de la Grotte before securing further black type, while Gala Real triumphed in the Prix de la Seine carrying Carlo Ancelotti's colours.
La Motteraye Consignment presented the daughter of first-season sire Pinatubo, whose dam Matauri Jewel boasts a perfect record with three winners from three runners. The family could receive a timely boost when Matauri Bay, a full brother to Aunt Pearl, contests the Gr.1 Criterium International.
After three days of trading, combining Parts One and Two, the aggregate has reached US$29,091,307, marking a 13% increase on last term's figures. The clearance rate remains healthy at 80%, despite a marginal dip from last year's 86%.
Trading continues with Part Three of the sale, commencing October 25 at the Deauville complex.