WHILE a first look might suggest that the Arqana February Sale was disappointing, a direct comparison with 2019 would be misleading as last year’s sale received a significant boost with the dispersal of both the Moratalla and Fares’ breeding interests. That said, a clearance rate of just 66% was well down and more of a reflection of the general quality of the stock on offer.

The highlight of the opening day’s trade was the Pia Brandt-trained Agnes and after a prolonged bidding war it was Italian bloodstock agent Marco Bozzi who finally came out on top. Placed fourth in the Group 2 Prix Penelope last season, the four-year-old daughter of Planteur, with a rating of 92, most recently finished runner-up in the Listed Prix Max Sicard.