Not so tough at the top but signs of polarisation appear again

After a pandemic-enforced absence last year, the Arqana August Sale returned to its regular spot as the opening act of the European yearling auction circuit.

The three-day event brought with it something close to business as usual as major players from around the bloodstock world converged to do bidding battle over a choice selection of blue-chip yearlings.

Part one of the sale, comprising the two post-racing sessions on Saturday and Sunday, generated receipts totalling €30,342,000, with 118 lots changing hands in the ring at an average of €257,135 and a median of €185,000.