Top-notch jumps prospects lit up day two of the Arqana summer sale on Wednesday where top French agent Bertrand Le Metayer went to €450,000 to secure the promising Mambonumberfive (Fr) (Born To Sea {Ire}) (lot 526), who was second in a valuable three-year-old hurdle at Auteuil when last seen.
Trained by Francois Nicolle, Mambonumberfive was consigned by Eric Ventrou, who was left visibly emotional by topping the sale.
He said, “I had three weeks to prepare him so I was a little bit shocked. We did what we could but didn't want to change his routine because he likes to be outside with his friends. When they are outside like that, it can be scary, because you don't want them to get cuts or anything. I didn't sleep very good last night! It's a good day. A very good day.”
He added, “I am based one hour from here in Normandie. I came back from Qatar six years ago. I have to say thank you to a couple of people–to Francois Nicolle, who has supported me for a long time, and also Bertrand Le Metayer. And also my team, because without my team, I cannot do anything.”
Champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins was busy strengthening his squad for the upcoming season. Along with trusted advisors and long-time agents Pierre Boulard and Harold Kirk, Mullins splashed out on geldings by Churchill (Ire) and Battle Of Marengo (Ire) as well as a filly by Authorized (Ire) to the tune of €765,000.
Speaking after buying the Authorized filly Karma D'Airy (Fr) (lot 505), who was second when last seen at Auteuil for trainer Hugo Merienne, Boulard said, “I have been buying for Willie [for] many years. We absolutely loved her. Willie has had huge success with Authorized, especially with fillies. She's really good-looking. She has only run twice and was second at Auteuil, showing that she can go chasing. Happy with that buy and we expected that she would make that.”
A total of 12 horses cleared six figures on day two of the Summer Sale at Arqana where 75% of the 144 lots offered were sold (108). The average was €40,449, the median stood at €13,000 while the aggregate was €4,368,500.
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