by Mike Curry

The Arqana October yearling sale at Deauville got off to a solid start on Monday, bucking worldwide trends and posting only a slight decline in total receipts the sale company reported 90 of 117 horses as sold for $3,575,845 (2,397,000 Euros).

Arqana posted a 1.5% decline in total sales with a clearance rate of 77% during the first of three sessions. Average price declined 5.9% to $39,731 (26,663 Euros) and median fell 8.3% to $32,820 (22,000 Euros).

The opening session of the October yearling sale produced results only slightly off those posted at the Arqana Deauville yearling sale in August, which closed with slight increases in total sales, median, and average price to establish new benchmarks in all three categories.

Considering the struggling global economy and dismal results at many major auctions this season, the August sale was considered a success and the October sale appears to be following suit after one day.

Paul Cole purchased a colt by Montjeu (Ire) for $156,639 (105,000 Euros) to top the opening session of the October yearling sale.

Consigned by Haras d’Etreham, the bay colt is out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Spirit of South. He is from the family of European champion Darjina, 2006 Prix du Jockey Club Mitsubishi Motors (Fr-G1) (French Derby) winner Darsi, and 1999 Prix de Diane Hermes (Fr-G1) (French Oaks) winner Daryaba (Fr).

Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor