Chris Richner, a popular face on the French sales circuit who combined his bloodstock agency with being a longtime representative of the Agence Francaise and Arqana, has died at the age of 68 from Covid-19.
The Swiss-born horseman worked in banking in England and Switzerland before putting his equine knowledge to good use in his role as an agent particularly focused on assisting Eastern European clients.
Among the Classic winners purchased by Richner for Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic are Border War (Fr), Czech Chardonney (Fr), Eminens (Fr) and Magnas (Fr), while Autor (Ire) won the G3 St Leger Italiano. He was also responsible for buying Tzigane Du Berlais (Fr) (Poliglote {GB}), winner of the famous Velka Pardubice steeplechase, as a yearling from Arqana for €26,000.
Two of Richner's best known purchases were Subway Dancer (Ire), a dual Group winner in France who was also third in the G1 Champion S on British Champions Day, and the G2 Prix du Gros Chene winner Tour To Paris (Fr).
Acknowledging his contribution to the sales company, a statement released by Arqana said, “We sincerely thank [Chris] for all these years spent at our side. Always a friendly face at the sales, his joie de vivre and kindness will be missed by all.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
