A European yearling sales season which has shown gains across the board returns on its circular route back to where it began Oct. 21 with five more sessions in Deauville.
The Arqana August Yearling Sale a couple of months ago was a record-breaker in every sense, with new high marks set on all fronts including the most expensive individual ever sold at the event, the €3 million Night of Thunder half sister to the likes of Magic Wand and exciting juvenile Diamond Necklace, and the momentum has continued across the continent.
The Arqana October Yearling Sale is not likely to be the stage for quite such frenzied individual speculating but can boast an impressive collection of recent graduates and a selection of real standout lots.
Perhaps standing tallest of all in 2025 is the Haras de Magouet-bred Woodshauna, who thwarted another group 1 winner in Maranoa Charlie when holding onto the Prix Jean Prat (G1) in July. The €70,000 purchase by Al Shaqab was transferred to John Stewart's Resolute Racing for £625,000 at the Goffs London Sale on the back of his victory in the Prix Texanita (G3).
While he is the breakthrough act for his sire Wooded that same stud, through Haras de Grandcamp, will offer his half brother by The Grey Gatsby. Already named Shaunagrey, he pops up close to the end of play during Tuesday's opening act as Lot 211.
That colt is one of many well-bred types among in what is the showpiece session. Instead of a one-day Part One like last year, this time around there will be an extra day of what would be classed as a premier category.
Arqana director Freddy Powell explained: "Basically there were more horses than usual that we felt, after the inspections on the farms, that would suit the best part of the sale but we also couldn't have a Part One of 400 horses as it doesn't make much sense for the people who have to be quite selective.
"We've created a kind of second division in Part One so that if people are there only to look at the very top, they can stay for one day. We're very conscious that our sale is at the back of three weeks of yearling sales in Ireland and England and it's difficult for people to be away for so long."
After the bumper trade at Goffs Orby Yearling Sale and a Tattersalls October Yearling Sale which challenged its extraordinary statistics from 2024, Powell is hopeful that trend can continue.
"When the market is good, you have to take it as an encouragement," he said. "You want breeders in Europe, and all over the world, to do well. When they're selling yearlings well they can pay for their nominations, maybe buy new mares at the end of the year and that cycle needs to be strong and positive. Obviously the last few weeks have been like that and hopefully it will roll on this week."
He continued: "I think this sale, especially the first couple of days, is really now on everyone's agenda. All the main buyers from Europe are here and we've got a few Americans as well, which is great.
"The sale produces good horses ever year and we can say this year's catalog is probably the strongest we've had since we've had the format. The sire power is really good, there are plenty of yearlings by the best sires in Europe. So we're excited to have this group of horses and so many people coming to see them."
Among the stallions Powell is referring to include France's leading name, Siyouni. He has 12 yearlings going through the ring on the opening day including a half sister to 2018 Prix Jean Prat winner Intellogent (129) from a typically formidable Ecurie des Monceaux consignment.
There are a further dozen Wootton Bassetts, including a half brother to 2021 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French Two Thousand Guineas, G1) winner Coeursamba (112) from Haras de l'Aumonerie. Julie Mestrallet's operation also offers a Kameko half brother to 2024 Prix du Jockey Club (G1) hero Look de Vega (103).
The sole Frankel in the lineup is a filly who is the first foal of Haras de Saint Pair's 2022 Matron Stakes (G1) winner Pearls Galore (137) while there are five offspring by Sea The Stars and two by champion British and Irish sire elect Night of Thunder.
Up-and-comer St Mark's Basilica has one of the most significantly bred yearlings of the week, a half brother to multiple group 1 queen Laurens (157), part of an exceptional La Motteraye draft which also includes a Wootton Bassett sister to 2021 Prix Marcel Boussac (G1) scorer Zellie (170).
