Average rises by 20% at Saint-Cloud

The Arqana Breeze Up Sale held at Saint Cloud on Saturday saw strong trade as 76% of horses offered sold at an average €41,649, some 20% up on last year. The median price of €30,000 was 7% up on last year.

The top lot was a colt by Darley's first season sire Dubawi, who sold to Paul Nataf for a record €280,000. The colt is out of a sister to a Group Three winner.

"I thought he was one of the top canters this morning," said Nataf. "He is a lovely specimen in general. I am unsure as to what trainer he will go to but hopefully we have bought a nice horse for the future."

A colt by Mizzen Mast sold to trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, acting on behalf of Gerard Laboureau, for €170,000. The colt, consigned by Haras du Saubouas, is out of the Listed-placed Coco.

Haras du Saubouas also sold a daughter of Elusive Quality for €120,000 to Andre Fabre.

Richard O'Gorman, went to €165,000 for a Nayef colt consigned by Con Marnane. The colt will race under the Darley banner.