Australian owned horses have had a successful few weeks in France with well known racing identity and Jayco caravan king, Gerry Ryan having two winners in a week after Americain, a 5yo entire by Dynaformer saluting at Clairfontaine on 8th July.
Under the guidance of brilliant international jockey Gerald Mosse, Americain settled off the leaders in the 2900m race to gain a run in the straight and win by “¾ length.
Bred and formerly raced by the Wertheimer brothers of Goldikova fame, Americain is currently in training with leading French trainer Alain De Royer Dupre.
Americain boasts and impressive race record having won 4 races including the Group 2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier over 3100m at Longchamp in 2009 and is shaping up to be a 2010 Melbourne Cup contender.
Red Barn an Arqana graduate purchased in 2008 by Ryan in conjunction with keen French racing enthusiast, Peter Maher, was also successful winning a 1400m race at Chantilly four days after Americain’s win .
Red Barn (pictured) settled last throughout the race and was a long way from the leaders on straightening before weaving through the field to work his way to the front and win by a short head running away.
Red Barn a son of Red Ransom and also trained by Alain De Royer Dupre, has won 2 races with 3 placing’s from only 7 starts earning his owners 57,000 Euros in prizemoney including generous premiums given to French bred horses racing in France.
The partnership of Gerry Ryan and Peter Maher has enjoyed racing success in France over the years. In 2007 the duo purchased a Royal Applause colt called Café Racer for 90,000 euros who went on to win three races, earning close to 140,000 euros for the duo before being sold at last years Arqana ARC sale 145,000 euros proving to be a great turnaround.
As Maher and Ryan will testify, apart from the prestige of racing horses in France, another big reason is the financial rewards. In recent years prize money has increased greatly an overall increase of 53% in the last decade.
The average purse on Paris tracks is 40,000 euros ($75,000 AUD) with all Listed races worth a minimum of 52,000 euros. Bonus premiums, which significantly boost all prize money (wins & places) earned by eligible horses amount to an extra 75% for juveniles, 63% for three-year-olds and 48% for horses aged four and up of all prize-money earned.
These premiums offer a great incentive to buy French bred horses and race them in France. The ARQANA August Yearling Sale held at Deauville provides the perfect opportunity to do just that as well as enjoying the carnival like atmosphere of the sales and Group 1 racing.
This years Arqana yearling sale is rapidly approaching with the sale being held from August 13th – 16th. For further information on the sale or to request your catalogue, please contact Damon Gabbedy on 03 9429 1148 or damon@belmontbloodstock.com.
