An unmissable event in the sales calendar, the ARQANA Breeze Up took place on Saturday following the canters at Deauville Racecourse on Thursday and a day of inspections on Friday. Marked by selective demand, the 2024 edition recorded results close to those achieved during last year’s excellent edition. A total of 76% of the colts and fillies that passed through the ring changed hands for an average price of €165,428, an increase of almost 10% on 2023. Turnover for the session once again topped the €20 million mark, reaching €21,880,000 (+2,8%).

 

Extremely popular in the ring, Justify’s progeny proved to be very in demand with buyers, with the Coolmore stallion’s progeny producing the two highest prices at the sale, including an historic top price in Europe of €2,3 million. This was for lot 110, a colt out of Group-placed INCHARGEOFME from Oak Tree Farm that was bought by Godolphin via Anthony Stroud in company with Charlie Appleby and David Loder.

“He’s a colt that really stood out,” said the agent. “We really liked his breeze on Thursday and we really wanted to bring him back to Moulton Paddocks. He sire, Justify, has had very good results and he’s a remarkable stallion. We’re very happy.”

Earlier in the day, another son of the Triple Crown winner, lot 62, was knocked down for €1 million in favour of the agent Alex Elliott, bidding on behalf of Amo Racing. Consigned by Lynn Lodge Stud, the colt is out of a sister to the excellent CHURCHILL and Group 1 winner CLEMMIE.

 

“He’s a lovely colt that ticks all the boxes,” said Alex Elliott. “His dam has a great pedigree and his sire Justify has exceptional results. We don’t have a trainer in mind for him yet. We’re very happy, and we hope he’ll be as good as he appears to be!”