Promising juveniles and an average of €350,000 for his yearlings sold at ARQANA. Dalakhani sired the leading colt on the second day of ARQANA’s Deauville yearling sale as Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock adviser John Ferguson paid half a million Euros for Lot 158. His second yearling also proved very popular in the ring and changed hands for €200,000, the fifth-highest price of the Sunday session. This colt will join Alain de Royer Dupré after being bought by agent Borje Olssen.

The enthusiasm of buyers is understandable as Prix du Jockey-Club and Arc de Triomphe hero Dalakhani has already sired a Classic winner in Moonstone, as well as Group winners Centennial, Democrate and Conduit. Other black-type performers include Chinese White (Listed winner), Shemima (Gr 3 2nd) and Unwritten Rule (Gr 3 3rd).

Dalakhani’s second crop are already performing well on the track, with Tanoura a promising winner on her debut at Leopardstown last Sunday, Anice Stellato winning on her debut at Newmarket today and Mustaqer finishing second in a Listed contest at Newbury on his first outing.

In 2008, Dalakhani has produced 44% winners to runners, with this figure rising to 48% for his three-year-olds. His representatives have earned a total of €1,168,804 to propel their sire into second place in the list of second season sires in Europe. In these standings Dalakhani comes after Nayef but before Oasis Dream, Acclamation and High Chaparral.

The yearlings of dual Derby winner Sinndar also attracted plenty of interest at ARQANA with two of his produce selling for €160,000, well above the sale average. The filly Lot 121 was bought by Marc-Antoine Berghgracht and will join Nicolas Clément while colt Lot 142 will join André Fabre after being knocked down to Saudi Arabian Prince Mithab.

Updated on 22/08/2008