18.11.2021

The Arqna-AFAC PA Sale: New money and sale topper acquired by Saudi Arabian buyer

Without becoming euphoric, this PA sale regained some of its mojo after a difficult year in 2020. A total of 65 per cent of the 2-y-olds on offer found buyers for an average price of €31,556. Even if the upswing is a modest one for this particular sector – the over-riding factor of interest to French breeders is that the average price was the best at the sale since 2017. As in previous years, the catalogue lacked a bit of depth when it came to horses-in-training and breeding stock. As is often the case, horses which are sold privately throughout the season tend to dilute the catalogue. Total turnover (1.993 million euros) is, of course, much higher than 2020, but lower than the halcyon years of the sale when the market was at its peak.

The appearance of new buyers.  The positives included the appearance of new buyers such as Bashir ben Ayad, and French nationals Alain Jathière and Grégory Vayre. It also marked the (noticeable) reappearance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity as a buyer. The return of José Delmotte was also noted. He is the breeder of this season’s top European juvenile, Native Trail (Oasis Dream), and author of the National Stakes (Gr1) - Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Gr1) double.

The €230,000 sale topper – part of The Channel Consignment draft - will in future carry the colours of the Saudi Arabian national, Mohammed Al Huzami: a client of Alexandra Saint-Martin and Jean-Pierre de Gasté (I.T.C.). The colt is expected to remain in France. This sale particularly highlighted the [demand for the] stock of the Haras du Maury (Renée-Laure Koch) and, in particular, the progeny of Nacrée Al Maury (Kesberoy): the exceptional broodmare of Bruno Bellaud.

THE KEY MARKET INDICATORS (SALE AS A WHOLE) – ALL CATEGORIES

Year	Lots sold (% sold)	Average	Median	Aggregate (public/private sales combined)
2021	100 (70 %)	28.741 €	20.000 €	1.993.000 €
2020	102 (67,65 %)	25.870 €	20.000 €	1.785.000 €
2019	110 (73,64 %)	28.204 €	21.000 €	2.285.500 €
2018	119 (67,23 %)	26.656 €	18.000 €	2.132.500 €
2017	112 (72,32 %)	27.272 €	16.000 €	2.209.000 €

Year	Lots sold (% sold)	Average	Median	Aggregate (see above)	PA 2-y-olds sold for 35.000 € or more
2021	43 (65,12 %)	30.964 €	15.500 €	867.000 €	7
2020	38 (71,05%)	30.444 €	20.000 €	822.000 €	8
2019	48 (68,75 %)	21.045 €	18.000 €	694.500 €	7
2018	55 (58,18 %)	24.547 €	19.000 €	785.500 €	3
2017	42 (76,19 %)	32.406 €	24.500 €	1.037.000 €	9

The Nacrée Al Maury wow factor yet again!
#19 M2 Mahabb & Nacrée Al Maury (Kesberoy) 230.000 €
Buyer (s) : I.T.C
Vendor (s) : The Channel Consignment
Breeder (s) : E.A.R.L. Champ Gignoux & Élodie Bellaud

Three products of Nacrée Al Maury (Kesberoy) have gone through the ring at Arqana and fetched a total of € 630,000! On three occasions, her offspring have fetched the top price at the Saint-Cloud auction... This exceptional mare has proved equally successful on the track as in the breeding shed. And it was this mare’s 2-year-old offering, and part of the Bruno the Bellaud draft, who eventually brought the hammer down at € 230,000 at the September 30 auction. Alexandra Saint-Martin was alongside Jean-Pierre de Gasté and she said: « I bought him for our Saudi client Mohammed Al Huzami, who breeds horses in France and Saudi Arabia. We don't know yet if the colt will remain in France or head to Saudi Arabia. A very attractive colt, he boasts an exceptional pedigree. He’s also a very good mover – so everything about him pleased us. »

Nacrée Al Maury won the Prix Damas (Gr3 PA). Her first foal, Mister Ginoux (Amer), is a part of the stallion draft at the Haras de Thouars, where he stands on behalf of Al Shaqab Racing. A quintuple winner, he landed the Qatar International Trophy (Gr1 PA) and the Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4ans (Gr2 PA) – beating Gazwan (Amer) no less. Mister Ginoux is proving to be a top-class sire. Nacrée Al Maury has produced three black type performers, including Lady Princess (General) and winner of: the Arabian Trophy des Juments, the Arabian Trophy des Pouliches, the Prix Kesberoy and the Qatar International Stakes (Grs1 PA). The grandam Nectarine Al Maury (Baroud III), has produced No Risk Al Maury (Kesberoy), the winner of ten PA group races, and now a successful Shadwell stallion.

Sheikh Mansour is back
#20 F2 Al Mourtajez & Nalika (Dormane) 90.000 €
Buyer(s) : Pégase Bloodstock
Vendor(s) : Haras de Saint-Faust
Breeder(s) : Marie-Claude Biaudis

After signing the docket for €90,000, Thierry Delègue, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's racing manager in France (Yas Horse Racing Management), told us: : « She was bought so as to further reinforce the Nevadour strain within Sheikh Mansour's breeding operation. Al Mourtajez (Dahess) was an exceptional racehorse and there are high expectations of his progeny... The filly is very attractive and a remarkable mover. She has an impeccable pedigree. »

Lot 20 hails from the excellent breeding operation of Marie-Claude Biaudis. The dam has already produced Nalink (Amer), placed at Gr1 PA level, and who took his chance in this year’s Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA).  The grandam, Naiada Al Maury (Baroud III), gave birth to Nirwan (Dormane), the winner of the Maktoum Challenge R2 (Gr1 PA) and the President Cup (Gr1 PA); Noreen (Dormane), the winner of the Hatta International Stakes (Gr1 PA); plus the excellent Nez d'Or (Dormane): successful in both the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 and the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1 PA) Overall, Naiada Al Maury is responsible, at either first or second generation level, for 15 black type class performers, including Mkeefa (whose three Gr1 PA wins took in the Qatar Arabian World Cup), Chaddad (Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains, Gr1 PA) and Rajeh (Prix Manganate & Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains, Grs1 PA).

Bashir Ben Ayad invests in France

#21 F2 Jaafer ASF & Nelka (Tidjani) €78,000

Buyer(s) : Bashir Abdalla Milad Ben Ayad

Vendor(s): Éric Ventrou

Breeder(s): Renée-Laure Koch

The very least we can say is that breeder Renée-Laure Koch has left her mark on the history of PA racing and the sales circuit. The two sales toppers (lots 19 and 20) at the September 30 auction were out of mares which she had bred and sold! Lot 21, consigned on her behalf by Eric Ventrou, fetched €78,000. Paul Nataf signed the docket and he said: « Bashir ben Ayad is a new owner. He has registered his colours in France, and already has an English thoroughbred in-training with Henri-Alex Pantall. He bought five/six yearlings at the Deauville sales in August. He is building a good sized stable. Bashir ben Ayad is Libyan but he spends most of his time in Tunisia. He has just bought four PA horses at this sale. The best horses will remain in France whereas the others will go to North Africa. He is something special. He was outstanding 2-year-old at the sale. » The dam, Nelka (Tidjani), has already produced the very smart Rajeh (Jaafer Asf), and winner of the Arabian Trophy des Poulains and the Prix Manganate (Grs1 PA).  The grandam, Naiada Al Maury (Baroud III), is also that of lot 19.

#6 M2 Munjiz & Jade du Paon (Dormane) €60,000

Buyer(s) : Bashir Abdalla Milad ben Ayad

Vendor(s): H.S.V. Agency

Breeder(s): Sergio Raffaello

Commenting on lot 6, Paul Nataf added: «He, too, is a quality colt. The last time I bought at this sale, the horse in question went on to become the top performer in Kuwait! I’m told that he’s the Secretariat (Bold Ruler) of the Kuwaiti PA scene! » The high class performer in question, acquired last year by Paul Nataf, goes by the name of Sheded (Dahor de Brugère). Lot 6 hails from the most heralded bloodline of the Haras de Paon which we associate with Sergio Raffaello. The dam, Jade du Paon (Dormane), won the Critérium des Pouliches and the Prix de l'Élevage (Grs2 PA). She has produced Meydan du Paon (Mahabb), third in the Arabian Triple Crown Round 3 (Gr3 PA), and Diva du Paon (Munjiz), second in the French Arabian Breeders' Challenge- Pouliches (Gr2 PA). The grandam is the much heralded Bint El Bedia (Elias), and herself the dam of Séraphin du Paon (Akbar), the Kahayla Classic (Grs1 PA) victor, and Quesche du Paon (Akbar). The latter captured both the Hatta International Stakes and the French Arabian Breeders' Cup des 4 ans (Grs1 PA).

Alain Jathière: a (veritable) presence on all fronts!

#42 M2 Mahabb & Carsa de Ginoux (Dormane) €65,000

Buyer(s) : Mandore Agency/Alain Jathière

Vendor(s): Haras du Cadran

Breeder(s): E.A.R.L. Champ Gignoux

Alain Jathière is a well-known owner at the highest level on the flat over jumps (with English thoroughbreds), and his success has also extended to the endurance racing arena via Vangog du Mas Garnier (Cornet Obolensky), who shone representing the French team. However, this year he has invested for the first time in Anglo-Arabians, trotters... and now in PA horses via lot 42. Nicolas de Watrigant has had a lot of success with this distinguished family from the Bruno Bellaud academy, having also acquired the uncle of this magnificent stamp of a 2-year-old, Mister Ginoux (Amer) who is proving to be a particularly good stallion for Al Shaqab Racing as regards upgrading his stock. The Mandore Agency supremo said: « This is Alain Jathière's first PA horse. A splendid sort, he looks very much like much like Manganate (Saint Laurent) with whom I was well acquainted. A dark chestnut, he’s a remarkably good walker. It’s great pedigree page. » He’s closely related to the sale topper, and this particular lot 42, has Nacrée Al Maury (Kesberoy) as his grandam.  

HORSES-IN-TRAINING

Moshrif : an inspired purchase by Gérard Larrieu

85 MOSHRIF (M3) Dahess & Tashreefat (Bengali d'Albret) 185.000 €

Buyer (s) : Chantilly Bloodstock Agency

Vendor(s) : François Rohaut

Breeder(s): Shadwell France

#110 SARHAN (M4) Mared Al Sahra & Alghasa (Arawak d'Aroco) €42,000

Buyer(s): Chantilly Bloodstock Agency

Vendor (s): Al Shahania Stud

Breeder(s) : Al Shahania Stud

#115 EAU LES MAINS (M3) General & Djelana (Al Sakbe) €41,000

Buyer(s) : Chantilly Bloodstock Agency

Vendor(s): Thomas Fourcy

Breeder(s): Écurie d'Ossau & Bernard Lafond-Puyo

A few days after the Saint-Cloud sale, Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari went to cheer along his high class Lady Princess (General) in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA) in which the mare was an excellent second. However, before that, as is his habit, he accompanied Gérard Larrieu to the PA sale at Saint-Cloud. The Qatari national acquired the 3-y-old Moshrif (Dahess), a colt bearing the Shadwell label and coming off a win at La Teste-de-Buch, for trainer François Rohaut. It was to prove a master stroke as, for an outlay of 185.000 €, he acquired the future winner of the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1 PA) with Christophe Soumillon up! Moshrif is the brother of four performers which have gained black type, including the high class and sextuple Gr1 PA winner Muraaqib (Munjiz), and Barnamaj (No Risk Al Maury). The latter won the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (Gr1 PA). Gérard Larrieu has bought a long list of very good horses for the Al Kuwari stable… beginning with Lady Princess! Hadi de Carrere (Nieshan), Spaghetti (Snoopi), and a number of useful English thoroughbred performers, also attest to this.

Rysk Tout: a shrewd buy on the eve of the Qatar Arabian World Cup

#84 RYSK TOUT (F4) No Risk Al Maury & Jeanne d'Arca (Orient Express) €42,000

Buyer(s) : Paul Nataf

Vendor(s): Charles Gourdain

Breeder(s): Jean-Claude di Francesco

Jean-Claude di Francesco not only writes books but also breeds horses! The very least we can easily spot his "home-breds" a mile off, if only because of the names he assigns to the various bloodlines which he promotes. Stéphane Chazel – certainly knows a thing or two about horses – and he acquired Rysk Tout (No Risk Al Maury) for a mere €14,000 at the Saint-Cloud PA sale in 2020. A year later, he sold her for €42,000, with the filly having earned €21,000 in prize money for him in the interim. The filly took time to find her feet, but Charles Gourdain has been patient with her, and she eventually opened her account by five lengths at Pompadour on August 2. Now racing in the colours of Dhafi Al Marri, she subsequently finished fourth in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA) - only a few days later after the Arqana PA sale! Her dam, by Orient Express (Manganate) out of Tell Arca (Tidjani), hails from a line that is `100 per cent "di Francesco".  The great grandam generated Pepe Le Mocco (Djourman), the winner of the Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes (since upgraded to Gr1 PA status) on only his second start. He beat some choice opposition after accounting for Noreen (Dormane), Falina des Fabries (Dormane) and Massamarie (Tidjani) at Chantilly.

Saubouas acquire a sister of Raqiyah

#99 AL GARBIYAH (F3) Nizam & Sarahmina (Tornado de Syrah) €42,000

Buyer(s): Haras du Saubouas

Vendor(s): Thomas Fourcy

Breeder(s): Haras de Victot

Racing in the colours of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Al Garbiyah (Nizam) has only raced once. Hers, though, is a wonderful pedigree. The dam Sarahmina (Toronado de Syrah) has produced Tameemah (Amer), third in the French Arabian Breeders' Challenge des 4 ans (Gr1 PA); Neef (General), successful in the Prix Chéri Bibi (Gr3 PA); plus the high class Raqiyah (Amer). A multiple Gr1 PA winner in France (she was a dual winner of the Coupe d'Europe) Qatar and Britain, she gifted Olivier Peslier a Gr1 PA success on the King George card [at Ascot]. Raqiyah has produced Salwa (Kalino), third at Gr3 PA level on his debut, and Abbes (TM Fred Texas). The latter won the Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes (Gr2 PA).

Sous les couleurs de Son Altesse le cheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Al Garbiyah (Nizam) n’a couru qu’une seule fois. C’est un papier

Spinoza will be winging his way to Qatar

#103 SPINOZA (M3) Njewman & Speed (Dormane) €42,000

Buyer(s) : Chloé Marchandet

Vendor(s): Philippe Sogorb

Breeder(s): Yves Plantin

On his only outing, Spinoza (Njewman) was second in the colours of his breeder Yves Plantin. It was Chloé Marchandet (Al Cem Stud) who signed the docket after the hammer came down at €42,000. The colt is bound for Qatar. His dam has proved to be a great producer, having foaled four black type performers, including Snoopi (Akbar), the winner of the Prix Al Sakbe (Gr3 PA); Spleen (Njewman), the Prix Razzia III (Gr3 PA) victor; and Skoop (Njewman) who made his mark in the Arabian Triple Crown Round 3 (Gr3 PA).

José Delmotte makes a further PA acquisition

#82 HERA DE FAUST (F3) No Risk Al Maury & Isis du Clos (Djourman) €38,000

Buyer(s) : MAB Agency (for the Haras d’Haspel)

Vendor(s): Haras de Thouars

Breeder(s): Haras de Saint-Faust

Hera de Faust (No Risk Al Maury) raced seven times for ‘Shadwell’ before winning at Royan. Hailing from the family of Ouasis du Croate (Kerbella), the winner of the French Arabian Breeders' Cup (Gr1 PA), she’s the sister of three smart performers, including Sahib du Clos (Kerbella) - the winner of the National Day Cup, the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 and the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (Grs1 PA.)

Marc Antoine Berghgracht (MAB Agency) bought him on behalf of José Delmotte (Haras d’Haspel), a concern which has reached the pinnacle of the English thoroughbred scene this year via the exploits of Native Trail (Oasis Dream). However, Hera de Faust isn’t his first PA purchase. As he has enjoyed prior success via L'Eau Enchantée (Majd Al Arab) – a winner at Agen before finishing fifth at PA group level.

A first for Grégory and Ambre Vayre

#112 BONNATELLA (F3) Af Albahar & Bonnett (Burning Sand) €37,000

Buyer(s) : Agv Karwin Stud / Jean de Mieulle

Vendor(s) : Haras du Grand Courgeon

Breeder(s): Haras du Grand Courgeon

In future, Bonnatella (Af Albahar) will race for partnership which will comprise (amongst others) Grégory Vayre and his wife Ambre. After previously overseeing the breeding operation at the Haras de Mandore, Grégory Vayre is well versed with PA horses. After forging a close bond with Jean de Mieulle - who will train the filly - he can draw on his great success with English thoroughbreds as a co-owner. As exemplified by the Prix du Hong Kong Jockey Club (L) victor 2-y-old Singforthemoment (No Nay Never); the Prix Hopper (Gr3) winning jumper Gold Tweet (On Est Bien); Sa'ad (Tamayuz): the Derby du Languedoc (L) second; and the Prix Petite Etoile (L) victress Cartabianca (Vision d'Etat).

Bonnatella is a three-parts sister to Tm Thunder Struck (Majd Al Arab): the winner of 12 races in Qatar, including the Qatar International Cup (Gr1 PA), in addition to finishing second in the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1 PA).

Photo : Gregory Vayre and Jean de Mieulle CRÉDIT Zuzanna Luppa

BROODMARES

Saubouas increases its broodmare stock

#65 RBAIJA (J7) Dahess & Noreen (Dormane) € 45,000

Buyer(s): Haras du Saubouaas

Vendor(s): Haras de Thouars

Breeder(s): Al Shaqab Racing

A few days after the first Gr1 PA success of Dahess (Amer) as a broodmare sire  – and namely that of Image du Croate (Munjiz) - Paul Basquin signed the docket (€45,000) for Rbaija (Dahess): a mare in-foal to the excellent Azadi (Darike). None of her progeny have reached racing age, as her first foal was born in 2019. Rbaija was un-raced. Hailing from an impeccable female line (the great grandam is none other than Nevadour), the mare is a sister to two black type performers.

LOTS ACQUIRED FOR 30.000 € OR MORE

Lot       Sex       Category    Name                     Sire                         Dam                       Vendor            Buyer  Price (in €)

0019    M.        2-y-o          Manabb                  Mahabb                  Nacree Al Maury   Channel Consignment   I.T.C.         230.000

0085    M.        HIT*          Moshrif                  Dahess                   Tashreefat              Rohaut            Chantilly Bloodstock Agency              185.000

0020    F.         2-y-o          Nkila                      Al Mourtajez          Nalika                    Saint-Faust            Pegase Bloodstock 90.000

0021    M.        2-y-o          Neptune Al Maury Jaafer Asf              Nelka                     Ventrou            Bashir Abdalla Milad Ben Ayad          78.000

0042    M.        2-y-o          Carshabb                Mahabb                  Carsa du Ginioux   Cadran            Mandore Agency / Alain Jathiere         65.000

0006    M.        2-y-o          Lartiste Du Paon    Munjiz                    Jade du Paon         Hsv Agency            Bashir Abdalla Milad Ben Ayad          60.000

0065    F.         Mare           Rbaija                     Dahess                   Noreen                   Thouars                    Haras du Saubouas   45.000

0084    F.         HIT            Rysk Tout              No Risk Al Maury Jeanne d'Arca        Gourdain                  Paul Nataf   42.000

0099    F.         HIT            Al Garbiyah           Nizam                    Sarahmina              Fourcy                      Haras du Saubouas   42.000

0103    M.        HIT            Spinoza                  Njewman               Speed                     Sogorb            Chloé Marchandet 42.000

0110    M.        HIT            Sarhan                    Mared Al Sahra     Alghasa                  Al Shahania Stud            Chantilly Bloodstock Agency              42.000

0115    M.        HIT            Eau Les Mains       General                  Djelana                   Fourcy            Chantilly Bloodstock Agency              41.000

0082    F.         HIT            Hera De Faust        No Risk Al Maury Isis du Clos            Thouars                    Mab Agency for the Haras d'Haspel                        38.000

0112    F.         HIT            Bonnatella              Af Albahar             Bonnett                  Grand Courgeon      Agv Karwin Stud / Jean de Mieulle                         37.000

0090    F.         HIT            Hooreya                 Af Albahar             Udjidora de Bozouls            Rohaut Bashir Abdalla Milad Ben Ayad                            37.000

0002    M.        2-y-o          Rudees Du Loup   Dahess                   Fee du Loup          Saint-Faust               Al Ghunami Stables               36.000

0039    F.         2-y-o          Alghabraa              Dahess                   Al Marwa               Thouars            Musallam Ali Qatan                             35.000

0096    H.        Endurance  Henvol Du Vallois Nabath                   Pepsy du Vallois    Aulne Endurance            Endurance Team Wll                            35.000

0007    F.         2-y-o          Thameen                Madjani                  Kaarine                  Thouars            Horses Genetic Consulting for Daniel Jabbari                    32.000

0073    H.        Endurance  Isandar La Majorie Khadar                   Andji                      Majorie                     Lucie Loevenbruck   32.000

0100    F.         Endurance  Filante Al Baraka   Madjani                  Shagya                   Hipolyte            Endurance Team Wll                            32.000

0062    F.         Yearling     Medrese                 Dahess                   Mlaika                    Berlais                      Mab Agency           30.000

0076    F.         Endurance  Funnygirl Font Noire                            Castlebar Gulfstream            Falbala Font Noire Font Noire             Lucie Loevenbruck                               30.000

0093    H.        Endurance  Nepal Dream Aa    Aria d'Alauze         Neoumea                Serrand                     Lucie Loevenbruck   30.000

0098    H.        Endurance  Gheraz Milin Riant                               Azziz de Gargassan            Qherissima             Milin Riant             Lucie Loevenbruck                               30.000

*HIT : HORSE IN TRAINING