Auction Today at Arqana to Benefit Waste Dump Resistance

by Sue Finley

An auction to help the local community groups who have organized to block a waste dump in the heart of Normandy horse country will be held in the Arqana pavilion today, Friday, at 4:30 p.m. On the block are an impressive list of 2015 stallion seasons and stallion season options, as well as a luxury safari. 

The funds raised will go toward the legal battle to stop the international corporation Guy Dauphin Environnement from proceeding with a waste dump in Nonant-Le-Pin, located about 75 minutes south of Deauville and surrounded by historic French breeding farms. The dump opened in 2013, but protestors blocked the entrance after two days of dumping, remaining there for 355 days until ordered away by the courts in October. 

The legal battle to stop the dumping continues, with protestors arguing that the illegal dumping of tires could be observed, and that the dumped items–old car parts–has already affected the local streams and water supplies, and that it could affect the aquifer for hundreds of years. 

“I think everyone needs to remember this could happen to you,” said Haras des Capucines’ Michel Zerolo, who was instrumental in getting farms and owners to donate the seasons. “This is a fight that goes beyond France, and I think the people who donated to this auction recognized that. Not only do French breeders traditionally support stallions from all over Europe and all over the world by buying nominations, but a victory here is a victory in the fight to stop this happening somewhere else in Europe as well.” 

Up for auction are: 2015 seasons to Anodin (Ire), Dalakhani (Ire), Dawn Approach (Ire), Elusive City, Equiano (Fr), Evasive (GB), Include, Kendargent (Fr), Makfi (GB), Martaline (GB), Olympic Glory (Ire), Ruler of the World (Ire) and Saint des Saints (Fr). Stallion season options, whereby the winning bidder pays the farm the 2015 fee and the charity retains anything bid over that fee, are available to Kingman (GB) and the 2015 leading freshman sire in Europe, Lope de Vega (Ire). 

Cocktails kick off the auction at 4:30 p.m., and the chance to bid on a luxury safari to Tanzania with Serena Hotels tops off the day.