Aga Khan stallions’ yearlings sell well at Arqana. Youngsters by the Aga Khan Studs’ Classic sire Dalakhani were highly sought-after during Arqana’s recent yearling sale at Deauville, averaging well above the overall median figure of 95,924 Euros at 175,000 Euros. Of the eight yearlings presented, all during the first two days’ elite sessions, five found buyers in the ring, with one more selling privately. The top price of 280,000 Euros was raised by lot 90, a colt out of German Oaks runner-up Midnight Angel (Acatenango) who was snapped up by the Hirai brothers (KK Eishindo). These Japanese investors new to Deauville were certainly attracted by the pedigree of the Newsells Park Stud colt, whose dam is the half-sister to German St Leger scorer Moonlady, dam of Japanese Derby hero Eishin Flash. Dalakhani is also well-known in Japan thanks to his four-time Group 1 winning son Conduit who now stands as a stallion in Hokkaido.

Another Dalakhani progeny to surpass the 200,000 Euro mark was lot 7, a son of Gr 1 winner Choc Ice consigned by the Haras d’Etreham for the Haras du Berlais. This colt is a full brother to Gr 3 winner Chock A Block and was bought privately by Hervé Bunel’s Agence FIPS.

Dalakhani ranks fourth in the list of stallions represented by five or more yearlings at Deauville on average prices, behind Galileo, Montjeu and Dansili.

Three of the four Azamour yearlings presented met with success in the ring, with lot 213 attracting a bid of 165,000 Euros from Ghislain Bozo’s Meridian International. This filly from the Haras de Bois Carrouges draft is out of a Listed winning and Group-placed mare, and is half-sister to Gr 2 winning stayer Brigantin.

All four Sinndar produce changed hands at Deauville during the final session, with two of the yearlings going to young South West France-based trainer Christophe Ferland who celebrated his first Gr 1 victory during Deauville’s August meeting.

Dalakhani will be represented by 19 yearlings in the forthcoming Tattersalls Book 1 sale at Newmarket. These include a full sister to Group 1 winner Chinese White, a colt out of the full sister to Fame And Glory and a half-brother to American Group 1 scorer Ticker Tape. Azamour has one yearling entered in the same catalogue.

Updated on 01/09/2011