A Frankel mare topped the dispersal sale of veteran French breeder and owner Jean-Pierre Dubois, a legendary figure in both trotting and thoroughbred circles in France, at a special private auction in his home country on Wednesday.
Dubois, whose son Jean bred and trained thoroughbreds for a period in Australia based at Woodpark Stud in the NSW Southern Highlands, parted with Coventry Stakes winner Calyx's half-sister Helenium for €600,000 (A$1.072 million) at Haras de Bois Roussel.
The unraced Helenium was bought by Quirke Bloodstock for Coolmara Stables.
Dubois, who raced 2024 Prix de Diane winner Sparkling Plenty and 2023 Prix du Moulin winner Sauterne, who are both by Juddmonte sire Kingman.
Dubois Senior sold Sparkling Plenty for €5 million (A$8.26 million) at the Arqana December sale last year.
Jean Dubois notably trained Siyouni's son Alymerton, who was bred to southern hemisphere time, to win the 2018 Todman Stakes and Siyouni's stakes-placed filly See You Soon before handing in his licence in May 2023 and returning to France.
His son Pierre was an assistant to his father at Woodpark Stud, but he too has relocated to his home country where he was planning on taking out a trainer's licence of his own.
The Arqana August Yearling Sale will take place in Deauville this weekend.