135 horses were represented in the sale
3 October 2019, Paris, France ~ Under the watchful eyes of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Arqana Arabian Sale was held at Saint-Cloud on Thursday, 3 October 2019. The annual auction is considered the first of the events associated with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
135 horses in training were displayed and 110 offered in the sale. They were divided into three categories: 2YOs (52), horses in training (38) and breeding stock (45). The sale saw a high percentage of purchases given the high quality of the displayed horses. It is an advantage that according to the rules of the sale, purchasers can run their newly bought racehorses in races with effect from today.
Present were the President of the Qatar and the Asian Equestrian Federations and Vice-Chairman of QREC Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida Al Kaabi, QREC Board Members Ahmed bin Mohammed Alabdulmalik and Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Kuwari, QREC Racing Manager Abdulla bin Rashid Al Kubaisi, Al Shahania Stud Director Abdulrahman Al Mansoor, and the Manager of the QREC Chairman and CEO offices Hesham Mohammed Al Ali.The 2019 edition of the Purebred Arabian Sale concluded with the final figures showing highs all around. Of the 110 horses offered, 81 were sold, totaling 74% for an average price of €28,204 and a total turnover of €2,284,500.
Half-brother to MISTER GINOUX and LADY PRINCESS the top price
Several potential buyers were present to see the son of Mahabb out of PA Group winner NACREE AL MAURY (lot 87) from Yann Creff’s stable go under the hammer. After a long battle, the gavel was finally knocked down for €240,000 for the blue-blooded yearling in the favour of Nicolas de Watrigant on behalf of Al Shaqab.
The colt is a half-brother to MISTER GINOUX and LADY PRINCESS, the unbeaten winner of the Prix Kesberoy (Gr.1 PA) this season and eagerly awaited in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches, that is run tomorrow at Saint-Cloud.
Watrigant said, “He’s a stunning looking colt and Sheikh Joaan Al Thani really wanted him. It’s very important to have a horse like him that is a top stallion prospect and could become a top performer like his half-brother and sister, and that could also be crossed with Amer bloodlines. These are the sort of pedigrees that Al Shaqab are looking for.”
Direction Qatar for MINSTREL
A representative of the famous Niarchos colours, MINSTREL (lot 113) was sold for €190,000 to the Qatari trainer Debbie Mountain, on behalf of owner Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. This three-year-old had since won the Prix Flipper – Wathba Stallions Cup at Mont-de-Marsan after the catalogue had been printed.
“We’re delighted – I think he was the best horse in the sale”, said Debbie Mountain. “He’s a magnificent animal and will join us in Doha as soon as possible.”
Young mare MALHAIKA for Al Jeryan Stud
The very well-bred MALHAIKA (lot 71), offered in foal to Al Mourtajez by Haras de Mandore went for €95,000. Acting on behalf of Khalifa Al Attiyah, Nicolas de Watrigant (Mandore International Agency) had the final say for this half-sister to the talented RADAMES and NERBAH, that also hails from the family of CHERIFA. She will join Al Jeryan Stud’s broodmare band.
The Arqana Arabian Sale is held every year in association with Qatar’s sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend. It has been motivated by Qatar’s commitment to the Arabian breed and Arabian racing both in Qatar and overseas. Such commitment is demonstrated by running the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA) just 40 minutes before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
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