The Arqana sale at Deauville began on Friday with some notable results for Darley sired yearlings.
This is the first major opportunity to purchase Dubawi (pictured) yearlings and lot 43 showed how well regarded they are with the final bid of €400,000 (A$676,000) going to Shadwell France. Consigned by Haras de la Reboursiere et de Montaigu, she is a half-sister to Belle Et Celebre, winner of the 2008 Prix Saint-Alary.
Shamardal is another Darley stallion with his oldest crop being yearlings and it was his colt (lot 103) that fetched €350,000 (A$591,500) finally being bought by John Ferguson. Brought to the ring by Haras d'Etreham his is out of the Rainbow Quest mare, En Public and a half-
brother to Stakes winner Sardaukar, who was also placed second in Grand Prix de Paris.
Other notable results from day one include a Cape Cross colt who is a half-brother to High Rock (G3 winner who ran with credit in this years French Derby), being knocked down for €470,000 (A$794,300) to John Ferguson.
John Ferguson also signed for a Dubai Destination colt earlier in the day (lot 46) and went to €360,000 (A$608,400) for the close relative to G2 winner Sahara Slew.
