Arqana to sponsor new Listed 2yo fillies race at Naas French sales company Arqana will sponsor a new Listed race at Naas, the Marwell Stakes. The two-year-old fillies event over five furlongs will take place on July 22, and is the first sponsorship by the international auction house in Ireland. The Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes is one of a number of new races added to the flat programme at Naas this year. Arqana is located in Deauville, and has established itself as a leading global sales agency. The sponsorship announcement comes just before the closure of the August Yearling Sale entries next Friday. The August Yearling sale is recognised globally as one of the most prestigious sales of the year. A number of yearlings have passed through Arqana’s sales ring and went on to international success including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The company hold 18 sales throughout the year, turning over about €160 million. Naas General Manager Eamonn McEvoy said, “We are absolutely delighted to associate our new race, The Marwell Stakes, with a company such as Arqana. Arqana are a world class company and have a phenomenal record in selling top bloodstock in France that go on to international success. "The world renowned Deauville yearling sale is in August so the end of July is a perfect time for Arqana to come to Ireland to meet their Irish clients and enjoy an evening of great racing. I would like to thank Eric Hoyeau and Freddy Powell for getting the partnership underway.” Freddy Powell, Executive Director of Arqana said, “Arqana consistently aims to support the racing and breeding industry all over the world and Ireland was an obvious choice as we have so many links with Irish horsemen. From French breeders sending mares to Irish-based stallions, to flat and NH pinhookers attending all our young-stock sales, Breeze up consignors, trainers looking to buy from their French counterparts or breeders tapping into French bloodlines. "Al Boum Photo, Magic Wand, Min, Channel, War Of Will and Asterion Forlonges are only the latest examples of horses who went through the Arqana sales ring having come from or on their way to Ireland.”
