An unmissable event in the sales calendar, the ARQANA Breeze Up was organised over three days this year. Following the canters on the grass at Deauville-La Touques Racecourse on Thursday and a day of inspections on Friday, the sale began on Saturday morning at 11am.

 

With consistent demand that was very international, the 2023 edition registered excellent results in all areas. A total of 87% of the 167 two-year-olds offered were sold for an average price of €150,789 (+15% from 2022), generating a new high of €21,110,500 (+58%). Illustrating the strength of the market, 10 colts and fillies made €400,000 or more during the sale in comparison to four last year.

 

The leading buyer at the sale for the second consecutive year, Oliver St Lawrence signed the docket for two lots this year including the top price at the sale for €1,2 million. Consigned by Grove Stud, the son of Siyouni (lot 145) hails from the family of Group winners MANUELA DE VEGA, PONT AVEN, SAINTE MARINE, JOSR ALGARHOUD etc.

“He’s a lovely colt and there is everything to like about him,” said Oliver St Lawrence. “He has it all – he breezed well, is by a great stallion and has a great pedigree. He’s been bought for an owner from Bahrein, and will most likely be trained in England.”

 

Anthony Stroud made his presence felt around the ring when buying five lots including a son of Dubawi (lot 180) for which he went to €800,000. Consigned by Oak Tree Farm, the colt, that hails from the close family of the excellent PAIX, MAGIC WAND, CHICQUITA and PHILOMENE was bought on behalf of Godolphin and will join the boxes of Charlie Appleby.

 

“He’s a colt that really stands out,” said the agent. “Norman and Janet Williamson have done a great job with him. He’s a son of Dubawi from a great family.”

Following the sale, ARQANA President Éric Hoyeau and Executive Director Freddy Powell said, “We are very pleased with the results, thanks to the hard work and professionalism of our vendors who have once again placed their trust in us and brought horses of such a high standard that have been extremely well prepared. The quality of the catalogue brought many buyers to Deauville, whom we would also like to thank for coming. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the work of our teams as well as that of France Galop and the staff at Deauville Racecourse, who largely contributed to the success of this sale by allowing us to hold the breezes on a beautiful prepared track again this year.