Paris — French harness racing is under heavy pressure from declining betting turnover, and this year’s Prix d’Amérique sales reflected the trend. PMU reports an 8% drop in the first weeks of the year, and on Friday (Jan. 23), Le Trot president Jean‑Pierre Barjon warned breeders about the serious consequences.
The auction results followed the same downward curve:
- The top price fell from €460,000 last year to €300,000 this year.
- Only five horses exceeded €100,000, compared to eight last year.
- Just 55% of Friday’s offerings were sold, and the average price dropped.
- Across both sale days, the average price plunged 28.87% to €17,435.
Total turnover did rise slightly to €4.11 million — but only because far more horses were sold over the two days.
The top seller was the yearling Powerball (Face Time Bourbon) at €300,000. Friday’s highest price went to the 4‑year‑old mare Mabellissime (Love You), purchased by Stall Courant for €200,000.
Last year, Courant bought a full sister to Mabellissime for €460,000.
For results, visit the Arqana-Trot website.