THE inaugural Aktem Paris Breeze Up Sale appeared challenging for consignors, with six of the top 11 horses bought back by vendors, with the overall clearance rate returning at 64%.

However, Aktem’s bloodstock director Guy Petit was encouraged by the sale’s first edition and later commented: “We are pleased with the results of this first edition, which we organised without any previous benchmark or sales history.

“We received an enormous number of compliments regarding the quality of the track, which several riders described as one of the best in Europe. The hospitality was also widely praised, and these are very encouraging signs for the future.

“The European breeze-up market has been particularly challenging this year, yet we achieved a clearance rate of over 60%, which is a very respectable result. We welcomed buyers from France, England, Ireland, Australia, Spain, Serbia, Italy and Romania, demonstrating the international appeal of the sale.

“Consignors were delighted with the experience, and many have already committed to returning with larger drafts next year. We would like to thank all industry participants for the confidence they placed in us for this inaugural edition, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year.”

Far and wide

The spread of buyers from around the globe was positive, with the top six prices paid by buyers from Australia, France, Ireland, Italy and the UK. Italian agent Marco Bozzi secured the top lot in a private deal for €50,000 outside the ring.

Consigned by Thomond O’Mara’s Knockanglass Stables, the Blue Point colt cost 50,000gns as a yearling and was being offered for the second time in the space of a month, having gone unsold at €60,000 at Arqana. Fledgeling trainer Michael Keady added a Kameko colt to his Newmarket string when parting with €45,000 for Woodlands Lodge’s offering.

Wednesday was also Plan B for Johnny and Danielle Hurley’s colt, who had gone unsold for €48,000 at Tattersalls Ireland and cost €43,000 as a yearling.

Keady commented: “We came here on Tuesday keen to support this inaugural sale, thinking a little outside the box and looking for value.

“I’m delighted to have secured this colt, who will race for one of my existing owners. He has a very racey profile and should be ready to get to the track fairly soon. His breeze was particularly pleasing, and he showed a very good attitude.”

The GET-consigned colt by Hello Youmzain has no distance to travel after being knocked down to local trainer Pascal Adda for €43,000.

“I was very impressed by his breeze yesterday,” Adda reported. “He was a real standout for me and it’s a purchase from the heart. He will join the yard, although I have not yet found owners for him.”

Lucie Pontoir, also based at Maisons-Laffitte, will take charge of a Sealiway filly presented by Haras des Hortensias, after John Hammond secured her on behalf of a partnership including Gérard Augustin-Normand. OTI Racing’s Terry Henderson ensured his trip to France was worthwhile by purchasing three juveniles with De Burgh Equine and Narvick International.

The most expensive of the three, a Ghaiyyath colt out of dual listed winner Flying Fairies, will join Harry Eustace before travelling to Australia at the end of his three-year-old season.

Appeal

“I really liked his breeze yesterday,” Henderson said of his €35,000 purchase. “Ghaiyyath is proving very popular in Australia and this colt comes from a pedigree that should appeal to Australian buyers in the long term.”

OTI’s first purchase was consigned by Cloughtaney Stables, as was their second, a Palace Pier colt costing €30,000. Despite their smart sires, both colts returned a profit on their yearling prices – the Ghaiyyath was picked up for €25,000 and the Palace Pier colt cost €16,000.

Hubie De Burgh was very complimentary of their second purchase, saying: “The Palace Pier colt is a gorgeous horse with an excellent way of going. He will remain in Europe to continue his education before we hopefully campaign him in some of Australia’s major races and, perhaps, help generate headlines for Aktem in the years to come.”

On the sale in general, the agent commented: “The enthusiasm here and the friendliness of the team makes you want to buy. Everyone has been incredibly helpful. I believe this is only the beginning. I’ve had a wonderful day and I hope we’ll be back many times in the future.”