The dispersal of the breeding stock owned in partnership by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede attracted the cream of the Irish, British and French National Hunt breeding industry to Deauville and suddenly the surroundings of the sales ring looked a lot like the Cheltenham parade ring. Warwick Hurdle and Topham Chase scorer MA FILLEULE, who won a total of 8 races and was also placed twice at Grade 1 level, was one of the definite highlights of the 28-strong dispersal consigned by Richard Powell's Haras du Lieu des Champs.

Peter Molony tried to stun the opposition by offering an opening bid of €100,000 but Richard Aston was not to be denied and went to €220,000 to secure the daughter of Turgeon who unfortunately slipped to Martaline this year.

The first thing was to buy her, replied Aston when asked about what attracted her to the beautiful grey. We've admired her for five years probably and never thought we would have the opportunity to own her. The opportunity arose so we dug deep and bought her. It's a definitive project, we want to try and breed something of her looks and ability. It's not a commercial proposition. She's going to breed racehorses we hope, and they will race.

©ZuzannaLupa