Clement Adds Quality to Stable Roster at Arqana

Christophe Clement said he always looks forward to his annual trip to Deauville for the Arqana December Sale. It's a bit like stepping back in time for the U.S.-based trainer as he wanders the grounds that were once the setting of childhood summers spent working for his father, French conditioner Miguel Clement Sr. The youngest of three, Clement is still often called 'Little Clement' while in Deauville.

“That always makes me laugh,” said Clement, whose own son Miguel has a handle on their stable in America while his father is away. “I come to this sale every year. It's a great way to see a lot of friends and family and still do some work.”

Clement kept busy during Saturday's select session at Arqana and will be returning to the States with several new trainees in tow, highlighted by the session-topping filly Malavath (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). The dual Group 1-placed 3-year-old was purchased for €3.2 million by Clement's longstanding client Moyglare Stud.

“I was aware that she was going to be in the December Sale and we've been working on this for the past two months,” Clement shared. “I'm delighted. I think it's a great acquisition for Moyglare.”

The winner of the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte and runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at two, Malavath returned to the starting gate this year to claim a Group 3 in Deauville and place second in the G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret for Francis Graffard. In her most recent start, Malavath finished fifth in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile.

Clement said that he has no specific races in mind yet for the new acquisition, but added that he believes she will be a good fit for American racing.

“I think she seems to be [best at] seven furlongs to a mile. One of the reasons why Moyglare was interested in the filly was that she brings speed to their program. We'll get her to the States and let her tell us what to do. We have a great program in New York. If she's doing well, plenty of good things can happen.”

Also on Saturday, Moyglare Stud purchased Amazing Grace (Protectionist) for €850,000. The Group 2 winner will continue her racing career with Clement.

“She will be a fun fit for the longer turf races,” said the 4-year-old's new conditioner.

Clement sends Moyglare Stud's Beautiful Lover to victory in the GIII La Prevoyante S. at Gulfstream this year | Nicole Thomas

­­The Co. Meath-based Moyglare Stud has sent horses to Clement for almost 25 years. Their greatest successes together include Grade I winners Relaxed Gesture (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}) and Dress to Thrill (Ire) (Danehill). This year, American-bred Beautiful Lover (Arch) carried the black, white and red silks to victory in the GIII La Prevoyante S.

“We have a great relationship,” said Clement. “We've had plenty of good winners for them. It's fun because when you train for an owner-breeder, you get that kind of relationship where it doesn't depend on what happens today. It's more long-term, and usually that works out best for both sides.”

Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, who races with Clement and has been a leading owner this year on the New York circuit, was active during the first session, purchasing listed winner By All Means (Ire) (Kodiac) for €650,000. The juvenile was Group 2-placed for owners Giacomo Algranti and Haras d'Etreham.

“She is a very nice filly,” said Clement. “I believe that one of the owners, Nicolas de Chambure [Haras d'Etreham] will stay in for a piece, which makes it even more exciting.”

Also during Arqana's opening session, Clement purchased Group winner Atomic Blonde (Ger) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}) for €300,000 and went to €280,000 for black-type filly Lady Mia (Fr) (Outstrip).

“You have a lot to compete with in New York,” he noted. “You have to buy some good horses because the turf division is not easy. You need to bring in new blood in order to compete.”