Tuesday 19 August 2014
Stallion of the moment SEA THE STARS proved a hit at Arqana’s August yearling Sale this weekend, with his ten yearlings sold amassing a total of 3,260,000 Euros, the highest turnover of any stallion in the catalogue. The Gilltown sire boasts an average of 326,000 Euros, more than double the sale average of 146,998 Euros.
The top lot by the unbeaten Arc winner represents a top Aga Khan Studs maternal line, hailing back to the Jean-Luc Lagardère breeding operation, as this lot 36 is a granddaughter of Group 1 winner Vadawina, from the family of Valixir.
Indeed Vadawina is a half-sister top Vazira, winner of the Gr. 1 Prix Saint-Alary for the same sire SEA THE STARS. Presented by the Ecurie des Monceaux, the filly was snapped up by Derek Brugman of Mayfair Speculators for 700,000 Euros.
Acting on behalf of top South African owner Markus Jooste, Brugman noted, « SEA THE STARS has already proved very successful as a sire and this filly will stay in France to be trained. »
Just minutes later, Pascal Bary went to 600,000 Euros to secure lot 39, a grey filly by SEA THE STARS and out of Poule d’Essai des Pouliches third Ysoldina. By Kendor, Ysoldina is out of Haras de la Reboursière et de Montaigu matriarch Rotina ; as such is a half-sister to a quartet of Group scorers and she has already produced two black-type performers herself. The Chantilly-based trainer explained, « I have bought this filly for Jean-Michel Hegesippe. She really had everything, physique, sire and pedigree. »
During the second select session, Nicolas de Watrigant of Mandore International was the successful bidder at 400,000 Euros for lot 93. From the Haras d’Etreham, the son of SEA THE STARS is a half-brother to five Stakes winners. In total, Nicolas de Watrigant purchased four yearlings by the champion SEA THE STARS. At 300,000 Euros , lot 44 is a half-brother to of Democrate, winner of the Gr. 2 Prix Hocquart for fellow Gilltown stallion Dalakhani. For 260,000 Euros, the agent bought lot 84, the first foal of Gr. 3 winner Don’t Hurry Me (Hurricane Run), and finally lot 101, a granddaughter of Gr. 1 winner Sulk, from the distaff line of Aga Khan Studs-bred Masskana, for 150,000 Euros.
With four Group 1 successes already to his name, including those of Arc hopes Taghrooda and Sea The Moon, SEA THE STARS stands at Gilltown Stud where he is currently available for coverings in the Southern Hemisphere season.
Updated on 20/08/2014.
