Arqana sticking to its schedule for May Breeze-Up Sale

Arqana said it is still the plan to host its May Breeze-Up Sale on May 8-9, but acknowledges that changes could be made closer to the time as the global coronavirus pandemic spreads.

Last year's sale was topped by Grove Stud's American Pharoah colt out of the Giant's Causeway mare Tare Green, who was knocked down to Broadhurst Agency for €1.1 million.

Since named Ocean Atlantique, the Andre Fabre-trained youngster opened his account in impressive style when his won maiden by eight lengths over the straight mile at Saint-Cloud last October.

"The plan is to keep the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale on its May 8-9 schedule," said the company in a statement on Tuesday. "The selection is now final and a provisional catalogue will be released online on March 25 according to the original schedule.

"Amendments may occur, however, in view of the collective responsibility required to face the Covid-19 epidemic."

In keeping with confinement measures pronounced by the French government, Arqana has said all its teams bar the ground staff are working remotely from Tuesday onwards.

Contact details remain unchanged and may be found on the Arqana website. All departments continue to attend to their daily business.

Entries for the yearling and store sales this year continue to be processed by the technical department. Due to the exceptional circumstances, the closing date will be postponed to April 3. Entry forms should be returned exclusively via email to technique@arqana.com.

Planning of yearling and store inspections is also under way. They will start as soon as confinement measures allow.

Arqana president Eric Hoyeau said: "All industry stakeholders stand united to face this unprecedented crisis. On behalf of all at Arqana, I extend my thoughts and sympathy to those affected by the virus and their loved ones. On our own scale, we are striving to contribute to curb the spread of the epidemic.

"We shall also take every possible action to keep the market operating in support of the industry."

MORE ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

Ascot March Sale axed as Tattersalls postpones other upcoming auctions

Uncertainty and worry hangs over breeze-up industry as sales season looms large

Yiannis Vassiliou Transport informs clients it will put business on hold