THE untimely death of Lady Chryss O’Reilly came in the immediate aftermath of her topping the Arqana v.2 Yearling Sale on Tuesday with a son of Kodiac, from a female line with which she had enjoyed much success.

Taking place at a later time, and over two days, last year, the v.2 Yearling Sale returned to its original format this year. The day produced very solid returns, a clearance rate of over 86%, and an average of €39,063, up significantly on the 2021 edition.

Underlining the strength of the market, 41 colts and fillies were sold for €50,000 or more, by comparison with 13 in 2021. Eight lots realised €100,000 or more, four times the number two years ago.

Eric Hoyeau and Freddy Powell said after the final hammer fell: “The v.2 Yearling Sale has found its place in the calendar once again, and these exceptional few days at Deauville in August have concluded in the very best way. The sale was particularly dynamic and supported by numerous trainers and agents, as well as foreign buyers. We’re delighted with these results.”

Top price

Consigned by the late Lady O’Reilly’s Haras de la Louvière, a half-brother to listed winner and group-placed Prince Lancelot proved to be the day’s best offering.

After a protracted bidding duel with local Deauville trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, it was Arthur Hoyeau who had the final say at €200,000 for the son of Kodiac, a grandson of Debutante Stakes winner Rainbows For all.

“For me he was one of the best colts in the sale,” said Arthur Hoyeau after signing the docket. “I’ve bought him for a partnership that we have created and for which we are buying colts. He’ll stay in France first and then we’ll decide who will train him here or in England.”

Some hours later and the leading filly at the one-day sale emerged. Nicolas de Watrigant of Mandore International signed for a daughter of Galiway at €180,000, offered from Haras de Grandcamp. Out of a daughter of Group 2 winner and dual classic runner-up Tamazirte, she comes from the family of Group 1 winner Wannabe Grand.

“Together with Mr Jathiere, we really loved the filly, and she is out of the ordinary,” said de Watrigant. “Her dam is by Pivotal and there are a number of Group 1 winners in her pedigree. We are very happy. She will join Christopher Head.”

Final say

Very active during the day was Meridian International’s Ghislain Bozo, and he had the final say at €115,000 for a daughter of City Light. Bred and raised at Haras de Beauvoir, the filly is out of a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Anotherwistafate and hails from the family of Group 1 winners Nebraska Tornado and Westover. The filly will be trained by Christophe Ferland.”

Later in the day Bozo struck, again at €115,000, for an Olympic Glory half-sister to two blacktype performers from Haras de Grandcamp. The filly is a granddaughter of the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Blue Duster.

Bozo said, “I’ve bought her for Carsten Baagoe Schou who has had horses with François Rohaut for a long time. She’s a filly with lots of quality, is very athletic, and there is a lot of Pivotal [the damsire] in her. I’m very happy for Carsten as he is passionate about racing.”