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 Monday 16th Saint Cloud. As expected, the 4 year old Najaf (Lost World) was the top priced lot of the Arqana Autumn Sale at €250,000 when purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock (Anthony Bromley). "The day he finished third on his debut at Auteuil, we had already noticed him," said Anthony Bromley. “We have tried to buy him since then. We followed all his races and yesterday’s was of a very high class. He could be successful in a race like the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (Gr1) at the Cheltenham Festival over 4800 metres. He finishes his races well, he is a good stayer which will be an important asset for racing in England. "
Overall, activity was relatively healthy in this market for horses in training with an average of €19,613, an increase of about 7.5% and a median reduction of 10% to €9,000. The percentage of sales rose to 73.7%, again a rather healthy statistic. Note also that 14 lots reached or exceeded €50,000, four more than in 2008. Highflyer Bloodstock purchased five of the seven most expensive lots of t
It was no surprise that there was a duel between Highflyer Bloodstock, representing Paul Nicholls, and Guy Petit, representing Venetia Williams, for Lot 65 Teshali (Anabaa), a very promising jumper presented by the Aga Khan. "Paul Nicholls loved him instantly”, said Anthony Bromley, who bought the colt. “He is a nice size and has good scope. He won by eight lengths last week in heavy ground and we really liked that performance. He beat Akarlina, who is a good filly and this would indicate that he could go up to Listed class on similar ground."
Lot 89, Bermuda Boy (Anabaa Blue) was also among Highflyer’s purchases, bought for €52,000. "It's a pretty good price, said Anthony Bromley. “He will go to Paul Nicholls. He's a great horse and watching him run in good handicaps, I had the impression of seeing a jumper in flat races! He is tough too, because he has run a lot and never gives up.” The same agent paid €85,000 for Lot 118, who is also headed to join Paul Nicholls. "The race over 2,400 metres that he won in October on the Fibresand at Deauville was pretty good. Maybe we paid slightly more than expected but that’s the way it goes at the sales! Highflyer also paid €80,000 for the 3 year old Sanctuary (Lot 145 - Kendor): On October 7th, when he finished 3rd at Auteuil, I noticed her performance and Paul Nicholls has also liked this video. She is for one of his new owners. We have already had success with this kind of horse, for example with Star Mohaison, who also came from Francois Cottin."
Elisabeth Fabre (Peregrine) paid €105,000 for Lot 112, the 3 year old Babylas (Linamix), a winner in Salon-de-Provence for Jean-Claude Rouget. The filly is destined for breeding but the buyer was unable to specify where.
Just returned from Keeneland, Samuel Blanchard (Winning Bloodstock) paid €102,000 for Lot 25, Ucandri (Refuse to Bend), a 2 year old gelding and winner of two races. "He was purchased for a group consisting of some of his former owners and new partners," said Samuel Blanchard. "He easily won his last race and we will continue on this path. He has still a lot to prove on the track. The winter meeting at Cagnes has not been excluded."
Jean-Paul Gallorini went to €70,000 for Lot 152, the 7 year old Val King (Astarabad), 3rd in the Montgomery. "He's a good horse, very regular, and I do not know yet in who’s colours he will run," said the trainer.
Willie Mullins paid €65.000 for Lot 140, the 3 year old gelding My Sweet Lord (AQPS-Johann Quatz). The resident of Alain Couétil has just debuted with a victory at Nantes over 2400 metres. "I bought him for new owners," said the trainer. “I'll probably give him a few weeks break before taking him into training. He is probably qualified for bumpers and I'll aim him for them rather than hurdles. What do I like best about him? The fact that he won on his debut!" Alain Couétil said for his part that the horse has already schooled over fences.
The small contingent from Freddy Head’s yard was well received. The series of three lots started with number 31, the 4 year old Icy Major (Majorian), a winner of two races made €30,000 when bought by Jean-Marc Capitte for his client Marcel Wollanders. "He will run in handicaps at Cagnes this winter” informed the trainer. “He's a solid horse who has run over 1600 metres, but seems capable of staying further. He has not won this year, which is another benefit at Cagnes, and I think we got him for a good price."
Patrick Monfort purchased Lot 32 for €50,000, the 3 year old Sayaab (Monsun), he is headed for the fibresand at Cagnes sur Mer and Deauville. "He had a small health problem which explains his absence since May”, he said. “He has some good races under his belt and we hope he still has more to come." Lot 33, the third representative of Freddy Head in the catalogue, reached €70,000 and will leave for England to be trained by Nicky Henderson, who was at the sales and represented by Highflyer Bloodstock when purchasing. The 3 year old According (Dalakhani), a winner of three races in the colours of George Strawbridge, appealed to David Powell: "He will run in the same colours as Zaynar (the syndicate Men In Our Position, who bought the ex Aga Khan for €110,000 at the sales in the summer of 2008 and for whom he has won three races including the Triumph Hurdle-Gr1). I like the fact that he goes on all ground, which is good for Cheltenham, and I think he finishes his races well."
Peintre Abstrait (Peintre Celebre) went for €50,000 when bought by the Czech Slatoslav Micka, a career Central Europe is destined for the Wildenstein representative. The docket was signed by the bloodstock agent Chris Richner, who also gave €30,000 for Lot 53, a 2 year old by Kingmambo who will stand as a stallion in Poland."
Former jockey Graham Bradley went to €60,000 for Lot 88, Super Kenny (Kendor). Bradley himself went to ride the horse out at Nicolas Clement’s yard in Chantilly which convinced him completely.
Sold outside of the ring for a career over jumps in England, Gallilei was withdrawn from the sale.Second placed in the Prix du Pre Catelan at Auteuil, Si Saint Eloi was bought back for €130,000.
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