Optimism Abounds Ahead of Arqana August Sale

Where better for a spot of bloodstock people-watching than by the Arqana parade ring Aug. 14 during the buildup to Deauville's Aug. 15-17 Arqana August Yearling Sale? If you had looked one way the morning of Aug. 14, you would have caught sight of leading talent spotter Anthony Stroud among the crowd of Panama hat-clad bloodstock agents. He was later joined by Godolphin's principal trainer Charlie Appleby. Together, the outfit's buying team unearthed Opera Ballo (IRE) at this sale in 2023 at a cost of €600,000. At the same time, the sizeable Coolmore contingent—which was later joined by John Magnier himself—was heading in the opposite direction across Yard A. Deauville has proved a particularly happy hunting ground for the outfit of late, with Constitution River (FR) and the unbeaten Diamond Necklace (IRE), the winners of six group 1 prizes between them, both sourced at the 2024 edition of this auction. The former cost €400,000 and the latter a sales-topping €1.7 million. While some buyers might lack for match practice, Coolmore's global yearling recruitment drive is already underway. M.V. Magnier's name appeared on the docket of two lots, costing a combined $4.9 million no less, at the record-busting Fasig-Tipton's The Saratoga Sale earlier this week. The Juddmonte team were also present on the Normandy coast, with Simon Mockridge and Barry Mahon leading the search for the next Blue Bolt (IRE). The Falmouth Stakes (G1) and Prix Rothschild (G1) winner was picked up here through Sackville Donald for €400,000 in 2023. Appleby was one of a broad cross section of trainers on deck. The distinctive figure of Yoshito Yahagi was among those in town. The sharply dressed Japanese handler took home the high-class international runner Shin Emperor (FR) from this event in 2022 at a sales-topping €2.1 million. One of the more intriguing sightings on the sales ground was Harold Kirk and Pierre Boulard, the buying team behind Willie Mullins' all-conquering operation. Leading trainers such as George Boughey, Andre and Lavinia Fabre, William Haggas, Joseph O'Brien, Paddy Twomey, and Ed Walker were also doing their due diligence. "I always find sales a bit like being a kid in a sweetshop who's not allowed any sweets," Walker said. "You're looking at horses thinking, 'God, this is going to make so much money.' Then you move onto the next one and think you might be able to afford that, go through the whole process, and then it makes four times more than you expect. It can be a pretty humbling experience. "Equally, as is well documented, it's not always the most expensive ones that are the best. It's what the whole thing's about really; the hopes and dreams start again." Ecurie des Monceaux is the perennial leading consignor at this event, and the Normandy based outfit's 39-strong consignment was a hive of activity in its familiar home of Yard P. Walker was speaking during a 30-minute wait to get a slot to conduct his inspection. "We're standing here queuing to see horses, so that's probably a good sign for the market!" he said. "It's busy and everyone seems to be here. Judging by the results from Fasig-Tipton this week, I think this is going to be another strong sale." Monceaux director Henri Bozo expressed a similarly optimistic sentiment, saying: "There's been plenty of action from many different people. It's always hard to predict (the market), but there's no reason to be worried at the moment. All we can do is try to bring the horses here in the best possible condition, organize the shows professionally, and then it's out of our hands." The Monceaux offering includes a Frankel (GB) filly out of 2021 Prix de Diane (G1) runner-up and 2019 August Sale top lot Philomene (IRE); a Night of Thunder (IRE) sister to Vespertilio (FR); and a Siyouni (FR) half brother to Diamond Necklace. The trio will enter the ring in short order as lots 120, 127, and 128. Of course, the Monceaux offerings are far from the only eye-catching entries in the 325-lot catalog. Among the other blue-chip pedigrees are the Dark Angel (IRE) colt out of 2015 Oaks (G1) winner Qualify (IRE) (Lot 130); a Kingman (GB) brother to Sparkling Plenty (FR) (187); a Soldier Hollow (GB) brother to Tamfana (GER) (207) from Baroda Stud, who also offers a Frankel filly out of Bocca Baciata (IRE) (271); a Wootton Bassett half brother to Map of Stars (GB), out of the group 1-winning Bateel (IRE) (260); and a Kodiac (GB) half sister to Constitution River (287). There was a distinct air of conviviality as agents, trainers, and owners milled around in between inspections chatting about the horses, upcoming racing, and the weather. There is every reason to believe the bonhomie will be broken, if only temporarily, when they step into the ring at 5:30 p.m. local time Saturday evening and the serious business begins.