This sale of a trio of youngsters underlines the success of the first cycle of this joint venture between the Aga Khan Studs and Arrowfield Stud. In 2008, an initial group of six blue-blooded young mares were exported to Australia to join John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud and these yearlings are their first offspring.

A son of top Australian sire Redoute’s Choice and Listed winner Vadsalina raised Aus $440,000, well above the average of Aus$248,906 recorded during this first session of Inglis’ Easter Yearling Sale. The colt was snapped up by a buyer who will be familiar with the maternal side of his pedigree as the final bid came from agent Gérard Larrieu of Chantilly Bloodstock. Indeed Vadsalina is a Sagacity half-sister to Group 1 winner Vadawina and dual Group 3 winner Vadapolina.

The impressive victory of Vadawina’s son by Dalakhani, Vadamar, in the Listed Prix François Mathet on Sunday brought a timely update to her pedigree. Her dam Vadaza (Zafonic) is a half-sister to Valixir who lifted both the Gr.1 Queen Anne Stakes and Prix d’Ispahan, while the page also features Classic scorer Vahorimix and the late Breeders’ Cup hero and sire Val Royal.

Trainer Tony Noonan shelled out Aus $150,000 for a filly who will make a superb breeding prospect once her racing career is over. The grey is out of an unraced half-sister to the unbeaten champion racemare Zarkava and by Arrowfield resident Hussonet. Zarakiysha is by excellent French damsire Kendor and descends from the famous Aga Khan Studs line of Petite Etoile and Zahra.

Paul Messara picked up a colt out of a Sinndar half-sister to Stakes winners Tashelka and Tashkandi for Aus $30,000. This son of Flying Spur is the first produce of unraced Tazkara, who is out of Group 3 placed Tashiriya.

A month ago, a pair of fillies from the same operation met with success at the Melbourne Premier Sale. These were a daughter of Hussonet and Pattern-placed Daralara (Barathea), from the close family of Darjina, and a daughter of Danzero and Linngari’s half-sister Lilanda.

Eight Aga Khan broodmares are currently based at Arrowfield Stud in Scone, New South Wales, and half a dozen youngsters are due to be prepared for public auction as yearlings next year.