Bright light of German breeding flickers for the final time as Arqana plays host to Ammerland dispersal

Deauville will twinkle with the warm glow of the fairy lights that lend a festive sparkle to the Arqana Breeding Stock Sale but in the sale ring on Saturday, the last flickers of a great beacon of German racing and breeding will be extinguished.

Gestut Ammerland will send its final dozen mares and fillies in training through the ring as Dietrich von Boetticher completes the dispersal of the stock he has spent decades breeding and racing.

The heavy snows in Bavaria almost prevented this poignant journey from taking place, with the horses' departure from the farm near the shores of Lake Starnberg delayed until Wednesday.