'I'm very happy with that price for a Mehmas filly’ - tried-and-tested sire takes top honours at Osarus Yearling Sale

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A sole member of the catalogue by box-office stallion Mehmas became the most expensive lot to be traded at the Osarus Yearling Sale since 2019 when bought by Spanish-based interests.

Mandore International's Nicolas de Watrigant had been behind a more substantial purchase seven years ago when signing for a €170,000 daughter of Myboycharlie named Obstinee and the agent suspected he might have sourced something of a bargain in a filly bred and consigned by the Jeffroy family from Haras de Castillon at €61,000.

The filly’s dam Sundaze did not race but is the dam of Blackclover (by Bated Breath), a winner of a conditions race at Compiegne in the summer. 

Sundaze is also a half-sister to three smart horses in Italian Leger winner Trip To Rhodos, reliable Scandinavian performer Brownie and Danza Cavallo, runner-up in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl at Belmont for Chad Brown.

"Obviously we don't need to introduce Mehmas, who is such a proven horse, and the dam seems to be producing well," said De Watrigant. "Her first product is going to be black type, she's the second product and was a standout of this sale.

The Mehmas filly out of Sundaze was offered by Haras de CastillonCredit: Zuzanna Lupa

"She moved well and looks a racy type, so I'm very happy with that price for a Mehmas filly."

The purchaser was Luis Salvador, who races horses under the banner of Salvador Dink. His Toronado colt Madridista emerged with promise at Pau at the turn of the year and has been exported to America for leading owner Sol Kumin.

"Luis Salvador is new to having horses in training in France," De Watrigant continued. "It's too early to say [if he will be successful], but maybe next year he will! This filly will stay in training in La Teste."

Amy Murphy combined with De Watrigant later in the afternoon and will be able to welcome high-profile French owner Alain Jathiere into the ranks with a filly by Armor bought for €55,000 (189).

Completing a fabulous sale for Castillon, which dominated the head of the vendors’ standings, the February-born youngster is out of an unraced half-sister to the high-performing dual-purpose horse Penglai Pavilion, both being progeny of the Prix de Sandringham winner Maiden Tower.

“We’re very happy to have him as an owner in the stable,” said Murphy, after confirmation from De Watrigant, who is Jathiere’s racing manager.

Amy Murphy was in buying action on WednesdayCredit: Zuzanna Lupa

“She’s a lovely filly; there were two fillies that stood out for us today, we went and viewed them together and she was the one that we came to agreement for. Everybody loved her and we’re very happy to be taking her home.”

British-born Murphy is operating stables in Chantilly and La Teste, so the country is this filly’s oyster.

“Both stables are working well,” she said. “I’m sure she’ll come to Paris but the programme for two-year-olds in France is all around the country, so we’ll find her place. She’ll go for a little rest and be broken in and we’ll look forward to next year.”

Another to remain in Gironde is another filly by Armor (158) out of a half-sister to smart Australian stayer Don Diego De Vega from Haras de Montaigu, who was knocked down for €40,000 to Florent Gavilan, son and assistant of local trainer Sandrine.

Equalling that price was a member of the first crop of unbeaten Arc winner Ace Impact (209), whose lineage includes some of Car Colston Stud’s excellent Wiener Wald family.

Yearlings in the parade ring at La Teste on Wednesday

The purchase was attributed to agent Oliver St Lawrence but was bought in person by former jockey and now trainer Pierantonio Convertino on behalf of Italian owner Dani Aston Stable.

“My owner especially was the one to push for Ace Impact but we’re happy with the horse, he’s beautiful,” Convertino said. “The owner has two trainers, one is me and another is my father-in-law. We’ve got one stable in the centre of Italy and one in Milan, we try to cover all the bases.”

This larger catalogue, combined with a new partnership with Deauville auction house Arqana, contributed to a rise across all metrics. 

Turnover rose by 81 per cent year-on-year to €1,846,750, with 83 more lots being offered than in 2025. The average price was also up by 14 per cent at €12,367, while the median increased by six per cent to €9,000.

The clearance rate was 75 per cent as 166 lots sold from 220 offered, broadly in line with 12 months ago.

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