Doctor Dino Yearling Sets the Mark at Arqana NH Session

Once again Doctor Dino (Fr) headlined the National Hunt scene, with a trio of yearlings by the sire topping Wednesday's third session of the Arqana Autumn Sale. Consigned by Haras des Pierre Follets, Lot 655 led the day with a record price of €200,000 from Saubouas Bloodstock's Paul Basquin, who was bidding on behalf of Genetique Obstacle. Bred by Ecurie Cerdeval, the April foal is out of Caprika Bella (Fr) (Poliglote {Fr}). He hails from the family of Kapgarde (Fr) and Barney Dwan (Ire).

“We buy horses with the aim of either re-selling them or to make stallions,” explained Basquin. “He will most likely be gelded. He's a beautiful son of Doctor Dino. He's perfect physically with a walk that is out of the ordinary. His dam is by Poliglote and has already produced winners. He has everything that you want to see at a sale.”

Earlier in the session, Basquin also signed the docket for Lot 606, a son of Saint Des Saints (Fr) from Haras du Lieu des Champs.

Also attaining six figures yesterday was Lot 663, who realized a €150,000 final bid from Spincourt Bloodstock. Out of Cue to Cue (GB) (King's Theatre {Ire}), the March foal is a half to recent winner St Donats (Fr) (Saint des Saints). She was offered by Haras de Maulepaire.

At the conclusion of Wednesday, a total of 144 yearlings sold for an aggregate of €3,736,500, up from €3,705,500 one year ago. Average for the session was €25,948, down 6% from 2021, and a median of €15,000, down from €20,000 last year.

The sale continues Thursday with the National Hunt breeding stock session, which begins at 11a.m. (local time).