Group-winning stallions Van Beethoven and Taj Mahal have been revealed as the first lots for Aktem's inaugural Online Stallion Sale, which takes place Sept. 25.
The French auction house, which was founded in 2025, will stage the sale via its online platform and says the catalog will continue to expand in the coming weeks with the addition of further stallions, stallion prospects, stallion shares, and breeding rights ahead of the auction.
The first entries are headed by Van Beethoven, a son of the late Scat Daddy whose racing highlights included victory in the 2018 Railway Stakes (G2) at the Curragh at 2 before he chased home Valid Point in the Secretariat Stakes (G1T) at Arlington Park the following season.
He has also made an encouraging start to his stud career, siring 21 winners from 50 starters. His first crop, now 4-year-olds, includes the black-type performer Ciaran, who was placed at group 2 level in Germany and also finished second in the 2025 Prix Daphnis (G3).
Meanwhile, Taj Mahal is the well-bred son of Galileo out of group 2 winner You'resothrilling, making him a brother to group 1 winners Gleneagles, Marvellous, Joan of Arc, and Happily, and a close relation to champion sire Giant's Causeway.
A group 3 performer at 2, Taj Mahal struck at group 2 level in Australia's 2017 Sandown Classic (G2) and added the 2018 JRA Cup (G3).
The stallion has sired 32 winners on the flat.
Taj Mahal stood at Haras de Tierce in 2026 for €2,500, while Van Beethoven was a resident at Karwin Stud and for a fee of €4,000.
