Business As Usual For Galileo At Arqana

It was a case of business as usual for the progeny of Galileo on the opening day of the Arqana Select Yearling Sale, as the champion sire’s four offerings sold for a total of €1.29million.

Galileo is predicted to take a starring role on Thursday when a full-brother to Magic Wand (Galileo) goes through the ring, but another son of Galileo provided consignor Ecurie des Monceaux with a strong start to the week when selling to David Redvers for €450,000.

Offered as Lot 103, the colt is the first foal out of Listed and Group 3 winner Golden Valentine, and hails from the family of Goldikova. After signing the docket, David Redvers commented, “He was the most gorgeous horse, athletic and very light on his feet. We’ve bought the horse in partnership with LNJ Foxwoods, who were part of the breeding operation and we are very happy to buy him. For me, he was the best-moving horse in the sale and he has that wonderful pedigree to go with him.”

Just three lots earlier, Haras de la Perelle had reason to celebrate when their Galileo filly out of Group 1 Falmouth Stakes heroine Giofra sold to Philippe Jousset of France Turf International for €380,000.

On the filly’s appeal, Jousset commented, “She has a great page, being by a great stallion from an outstanding family. She will stay in France.” A full-sister to Wednesday’s filly sold for €320,000 at the same venue two years ago and Giofra is currently carrying to No Nay Never.

The first of two fillies by the champion sire, a bay out of Listed winner Come To Heel, fetched €250,000 from Hubert Guy from consignor Capucines. “She is a lovely filly who walks very well and is very athletic,” Guy later commented.

British-based buyer Avenue Bloodstock, meanwhile, went to €210,000 to secure La Motteraye’s Galileo half-brother to Classic heroine Precieuse.