ENGLISH TEXTS
way, we are giving breeders the means to dream and a continued incentive to follow the careers of their progeny.
G. When will AKTEM’ s first physical sale take place? G. P. We will organise the Grand Steeple Selection Sale on May 15, followed by the Breeze-Up on June 3, both at Maisons-Laffitte racecourse. Being only half an hour from the airport is very convenient for clients. The proximity to Paris is an asset but will not be enough on its own; the necessary resources will be invested to create a convivial event where everyone enjoys coming together. Before these two physical sales, we will hold the Draft Sale online on April 8, in order to help owners rotate their stock.
G. What can we wish you in this new role?
G. P. I have somewhat committed my name and my experience. I would therefore be disappointed if it did not work out, but I believe we will succeed. We will certainly give it our very best!
BY SERGE OKEY
DAVID LUMET
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” THE SHOW LUMET, ONE OF A KIND”
Five pigs and two sheep on the spit roast. 450 guests in a country-style atmosphere. Between 500 and 800 people gathered around the ring.
Around sixty lots. A sale held in the middle of the track with ARQANA conducting proceedings. A closing concert. The Show Lumet truly lives up to its name.
In thirteen years of existence, it is no longer merely unique in France. Now scheduled for late July, the event has earned a reputation on the European jumps sales circuit. A pioneer of breaking-in and pre-training, David Lumet began in the old-fashioned way, on what he himself describes as a“ craft” basis.“ By private agreement,” he adds.“ My role was to introduce clients to owners. I started with around twenty horses in 2013. The momentum built from there.” In the middle of the track at the Écurie de la Ridaudière, near Angers, selection quickly became more rigorous. And to avoid disappointment— as some buyers did not even have time to make an offer before the horses had already been sold— ARQANA professionalised the operation five years ago. David Lumet still manages“ 70 % of the selection”, with ARQANA handling the remainder. The specifications are clear:“ Two-year-olds and a few very fresh three-year-olds. Strong pedigrees and good models with fluent movement. The quality of breeding is paramount. Total transparency. All of that explains why we achieve so many results and winners.” While the original spirit remains, with 10 to 15 % of horses sold privately within the following 48 hours, quality has stepped up a level and the figures reflect it:“ Turnover of € 700,000 and 75 % of lots sold at an average price of € 19,500 last year, driven by a new top price record of € 100,000 for a son of Great Pretender.” All of it maintained in an atmosphere that is as unique and family-oriented as ever.
BY CÉCILE ADONIAS
ÉRIC HOYEAU
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” INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION, AN ESSENTIAL GROWTH LEVER”
Éric Hoyeau, former Chairman and CEO of ARQANA and currently Senior Advisor to the Executive Committee, speaks about ARQANA’ s international growth since its creation following the merger of the two historic auction houses.
Éric Hoyeau begins the interview by returning to the fundamentals. To fully understand ARQANA’ s international development, it is important to look back:“ Agence Française controlled the yearling and breeding stock sales, while Goffs France focused on horses in training, National Hunt, Purebred Arabians and‘ sport’( future Breeze Up). Both companies had their own international networks. Goffs France was already oriented towards the United
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