LOOKING set to be one of the highlights of tonight’s Arqana Arc Sale was Lot 21, a four-year-old gelding by Blame (Arch). This was an opportunity for someone to purchase a horse at the height of his powers, with an invitation to the Group 1 Japan Cup, and who gave his sale prospects an added boost when he won the Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne on Sunday. However, connections have now chosen to retain him.

Sibayan continues a great season of success for trainer Francis Graffard, and for the gelding’s owner-breeder, the Aga Khan Studs. They were recording their fifth Group 1 of the year; a feat not achieved since 2015.