NEWS
Median, average price steady at Arqana yearling sale
Posted: Sunday, August 15, 2010 6:16 PM
by Mike Curry
Median improved and average price declined slightly on day three of the Arqana August yearling sale on Sunday at Deauville.
Total sales are down 30.6% through three days of the four-day auction, but average and median have been steady after the select opening session on Friday. Average was up on Saturday and median was unchanged, compared with the corresponding session last year, and Sunday’s proceedings followed suit.
Median was up 8.3% at $83,194 (65,000 euros) and average price declined 7.2% to $92,713 (72,438 euros), compared with the third session last year. Arqana reported 71 yearlings as sold for $6,336,785 (4,951,000 euros), a decline of 21% from day three last year. The buy-back rate increased to 31.9%
“We are satisfied about today’s average, however the market was very selective as reflected in the lower clearance rate,” Arqana President Eric Hoyeau said. “Overall, we seem to be returning to the sort of figures that we saw in 2007, which is not so bad.
“The main issue though is that this year’s yearlings were produced off high nominations fees. It will be interesting to see how tomorrow’s session unfolds as the vast majority of yearlings on offer will be eligible for the French premiums, which seems to have been a key factor so far.”
Sylvain Vidal purchased the session topper for $307,176 (240,000 euros) on behalf of Gerard Augustin-Normand. The bay Dubawi colt out of stakes winner Samya, by Invincible Spirit, was consigned by Ecurie des Monceaux.
Through three days, Arqana reported total sales of $31,571,294 (24,667,000 euros).
For hip-by-hip results, click here.
Michael Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
