LAST year’s Arqana Arc Sale had two lots that realised an aggregate of €3.4 million – almost exactly the amount by which trade fell this year. The lack of standout stars therefore had a substantial effect on the final figures, while trade was still strong for the right lots.

Even with some immediate post-sale private sales added, Arqana returned a disappointing clearance rate of 57%, a much improved median figure and sales of some €6 million for a couple of hours work. Matching vendor and buyers expectations was difficult at times, no more so than with the Peter Schiergen-trained Ashiana, a German Group 2 winning daughter of Mastercraftsman.