Tag: Blandford Bloodstock

“I’m Absolutely Loving It” – Poste Excited By Debut Breeze-Up Consignment

Respected point-to-point handler and ex-jumps jockey Charlie Poste says that he is “absolutely loving” his first endeavours into the breeze-up business and looks forward to consigning his first draft at the upcoming Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up and Goffs UK Doncaster Breeze-Up sales. 

Poste trained over 100 winners between the flags in Britain, including talented chaser Third Time Lucki, but explained how the broad international market for breeze-up horses compared to the parochial feel to the point-to-point game made it a no-brainer to try his hand at the former. 

The early indications are that Station Yard, the banner in which Poste consigns under and where he is based near Stratford-upon-Avon, is here to stay in the breeze-up game such is the level of enjoyment he has got out of the Flat additions to the stable. 

He explained, “I'm very excited about the whole thing. We have two in the Craven, two in Donny and then another couple for the Guineas Sale. There is a saying in life that a change is as good as a rest and that is certainly true in this case. The horses have been very well received by Jerry McGrath, Matt Prior and Freddy Powell during inspections and Gordon 'Flash' Power, who is going to ride them at the breeze-ups, came over on Sunday to give them all a little bit of a twist. We had a little away day and 'Flash' was very happy. Being completely honest, this is a new project for Francesca [Poste's wife] and I. We are not going to pretend that we have all of the answers, but I have been very encouraged by having respected people coming in and being complimentary about how the horses are looking and with 'Flash' being very happy with how the away day went, so that gives us a lot of confidence.”

Poste, who operates Station Yard alongside Francesca, will be represented by a filly and a colt by Blue Point (Ire) at the Craven Sale. The couple will also consign fillies by Calyx (GB) and Kodiac (GB) at Doncaster and expect to be represented in the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale as well. 

Speaking to TDN Europe at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale last year, Poste explained how he had gathered up a team of 10 investors to attack the yearling sales with the help of Blandford Bloodstock's Tom Biggs, and how he planned on putting his own stamp on how he produced the horses for the breeze-ups. 

Tom Biggs | Tattersalls

He elaborated on Wednesday, “The similarities between the point-to-point and breeze-up projects is that you are working with young, inexperienced athletes who are expected to perform to a high level without the benefit of match practice. Where there are massive similarities between the two disciplines is that you need to do all that you can to get as much life experience into the point-to-pointers and the breezers so that, when they go to there without any prior experience, they are streetwise enough to show whatever ability they have in their race or their breeze, whether that be good, bad or indifferent. What you don't want is a good horse not being able to showcase its talents because they are too green to deal with the occasion. With that in mind, we have done a lot of cantering around the farm with the breezers and have brought them to a lot of different places.”

He added, “We're fortunate enough that we rent a farm that offers us the ability to do a lot of different things and, beyond that, they've been in the lorry and have had away days. It's all about going to different places, introducing them to different scenarios and making sure that they can mentally adjust and cope with everything. That way, when they get to the breeze they can adapt and help 'Flash' do what he needs to do to make them go quickly.”

The decision to branch out into the breeze-up market could prove to be a timely one. At the Cheltenham February Sale just gone, all of the key figures took a hit, and Poste says that the flimsiness of the middle tiers in the National Hunt game in Britain is what ultimately forced him to change course.

He said, “We're definitely seeing a correction in the National Hunt market. Yes, there's no doubt that if you are in that top five per cent, you're still going to get well paid and people are falling over each other to buy those. But if you are in the middle market which, invariably, as the industry builds, the British point-to-point sector is in, it becomes tricky. It is definitely becoming tougher to know where you are at and to get those horses away for what, maybe three or four years ago, you'd be expecting them to make. In that respect, we are very happy to have a new potential revenue stream for the business with the breeze-up horses. The excitement, and maybe even the nerve-wracking part of it all, is the finality of the whole project. There is only one day, really, and you are preparing them for that day alone. There are no excuses.”

He added, “But I'm absolutely loving it. The changes in these horses in just a week or 10 days is very different to dealing with a store horse. These Flat horses seem to transform within a blink of an eye, which is really exciting for all of us.”

Poste was keen to heap praise on Biggs for helping source a rock-solid debut draft of breeze-up horses and says “he couldn't be more chuffed” by the quality of the horses he is working with.

He said, “Tom is immensely professional and is well-respected, hence why we asked him to come on board and help buy these horses. We couldn't be more chuffed by what he selected and bought for us. Fingers crossed, given he works closely with the Blandford Bloodstock group, who are big buyers from the breeze-ups, he may even put some of these horses up at the other end of this scenario.”

Poste added, “We've got fillies by Calyx and Kodiac for Doncaster. The Calyx looks very quick–everything has come very naturally to her. The Kodiac filly has a scopier action and has been shaping up very well at home. Neither of those have missed a beat. Both appear to be quick and should be ideally suited by the sale that they are in.

“With Blue Point, the sire speaks for himself. It's very exciting to have a filly and a colt by him going to the Craven Sale in our first draft and hopefully that shows people that we are serious about this venture moving forward. The Blue Point colt seems to be a really quick, professional horse who has thrived with work while the filly exudes class. Again, it's probably credit to Tom with the horses he's bought but everything just seems to come very naturally to all of them.”

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Wathnan Racing Flexes Buying Power By Snapping Up Dark Trooper For 500k

In a little over a year, Wathnan Racing has carved out a reputation for being an emerging ownership force, and the early signs are that the operation is here for the foreseeable future after continuing its recruitment drive by spending 500,000gns on talented sprinter Dark Trooper (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale on Wednesday. 

That purchase through Blandford Bloodstock's ace agent Richard Brown came after the team spent 750,000gns on He's A Monster (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Just Bring It (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) from Alex Elliott's Imperium Sales draft on Tuesday.

The modus operandi has been simple; source quality horses, and in Dark Trooper, Wathnan Racing have secured a talented sprinter whose best days could be ahead of him still. Trained by Ed Walker, Dar Trooper has won six times and reached a rating of 104. He was last seen finishing sixth, beaten just two lengths, in a Group 3 at Ascot. 

“The idea is to buy quality over quantity, that is the message from Olly Tait to me and Ali Al Kubaisi, who is working the sale with me,” Brown said. “This horse has been on the radar for most of the year because Al Donald, who bought him and managed him, and Ed Walker, who trained him, have been trying to get me to buy him most of the year saying there is a lot more to come.”

Brown added, “He won a very competitive Ascot handicap on quick ground and then was unlucky in the Bengough. He is an interesting horse and will go to Qatar. There is a programme for him in that part of the world, but he is the sort of horse who could come back here. He is a gelding so can run on for a number of seasons. He will be trained by Alban de Mieulle and we'll see how things go.”

There was a good feeling at Park Paddocks throughout Wednesday and that extended to the figures. The average climbed 5% to 48,248gns while the median fell 2% to 23,500gns. However, the aggregate was down 12% to 11,869,000gns and the clearance rate fell 3% to 89%. 

 

Saudi Buyers Go Head-To-Head For Classy Sea The Casper

Two heavy hitters from Saudi Arabia went head-to-head for the 105-rated Sea The Casper (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) with Mubarak Al-Ruwis seeing off Najd Stud at 425,000gns.

Sea The Casper will be aimed at the Saudi Cup Carnival, according to the owner Al-Ruwis, who has a small but select string in the Gulf. 

The owner said, “He will ship straight to Saudi. We have two horses already in Saudi. We need a quality horse for the big Saudi Cup meeting. We think this horse could be a champion.”

Predictably, the Saudi investment at Tattersalls this week has been strong and Najd Stud struck earlier in the evening for Group 2 winner Jack Darcy (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}).

Trained by Paul and Oliver Cole to land the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville in August, Jack Darcy was one of the wildcards added to the sale and was drafted by Barton Sales. 

Oliver Cole said, “I think he is a Group 1 horse in the making. I would have preferred to keep him in training with us but owners have to do what they want to do.”

“We wanted to run in the Prix Dollar and he ran very well, arguably his best race, and we wildcarded him here.” 

Najd Stud also went to 170,000gns to secure Bresson (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) from Juddmonte and paid 155,000gns for Godolphin's Parchemin (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) earlier in the session. The leading Saudi buyers have added 12 horses to their haul this week to the tune of 1,483,000gns.

Royal Patronage Off To Oz

He has advertised his abilities in Britain and America but now Australia beckons for the 110-rated Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) after Johnny McKeever signed for the four-year-old on behalf of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. 

It was McKeever who lit up Park Paddocks on Tuesday evening when going to 575,000gns for Balance Play (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) out of Alex Elliott's Imperium Sales draft. 

Royal Patronage came highly recommended by his trainer Graham Motion, according to McKeever, whose total spend has now reached 1,280,000gns for the week.

He said, “We spoke to Graham Motion about the horse and he gave us a very positive report.. The horse had a few small training issues, nothing to worry about at all. 

“He is an ideal horse to go to Australia so we were confident that this is the right thing to do. It is hard to find Group form in the sale and he has got a certain quality. We are not guessing here, we know he is a pretty good horse if all goes well for him.” 

Royal Patronage has not raced since June. Prior to that, he landed an allowance race at Keeneland for the Motion team. But he is perhaps best known for showing high-class form for Mark and Charlie Johnston in Britain–for whom he landed the G2 Royal Lodge S.–before he was shipped to America. 

Juddmonte Draft Adds Intrigue

A Juddmonte draft always generates plenty of attention regardless of the sale and it was no different on Wednesday with 13 horses selling for a combined 1,368,000gns. 

The draft was headed by Halfway Line (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}), a three-time winner and listed-placed for Francis-Henri Graffard, who was knocked down to BBA Ireland online for 320,000gns.

BBA Ireland's Mick Donohoe revealed afterwards to the Tattersalls blog that the horse had been bought alongside Niall Dalton of Stakes Horses and will continue his career with trainer Phil D'Amato in America.

Donohoe said via telephone, “I have left the sale ground and so it worked well for me to bid online. The horse has been bought in conjunction with Niall Dalton of Stakes Horses to go to California and is for a new client with trainer Phil D'Amato, who has had a good bit of success training European horses.”

He added, “Halfway Line was recommended by Francois-Henri Graffard as well as Barry Mahon of Juddmonte. He should suit California-he is progressive, he goes on firm, he has a turn of foot, all the attributes you need.”

Juddmonte's Ziryab (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a winner for John and Thady Gosden, was another major attraction in the draft. The three-year-old was sold to Peter Trainor and Ciaron Maher for 240,000gns. 

Trainor said, “He goes to Ciaron Maher. Last year we bought Future History here from Juddmonte and this is the same type of horse with the same profile. Hopefully he will follow the same path and be a fun horse.”

He added, “Ziryab is well-bred and we were quite taken with his last run. He is lightly-raced and there is loads of upside with him.”

Smart Juvenile Hurdle Prospect Joins Jackdaws Castle 

Just 10 days after Mt Fugi Park (Ire) (Walk In The Park {Ire}) provided syndicate Tanzanite with its first winner from as many attempts when scoring on debut for Jonjo O'Neill at Ffos Las, the owners returned to the market to snap up smart juvenile hurdle prospect Circuit Breaker (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). 

Not only can Nathaniel get you a top-class horse on the level, as we saw with the brilliant Desert Crown and Enable, but the King George and Eclipse winner has proved he can get classy jumpers as well. 

The team at Jackdaws Castle will be hoping they have found the next Zanahiyr (Ire) after agent Matt Coleman signed for the Ralph Beckett-trained Circuit Breaker for 260,000gns on behalf of Tanzanite..

Coleman said, “He is going to Jackdaws and we had an order to look for a juvenile hurdle horse. This is a big fantastic-looking horse by Nathaniel. He looks like a National Hunt horse. Ralph [Beckett] was very complimentary about the horse and is extremely pleased with how well he has done on the Flat considering his size. He won on debut and ran second to Urban Outlook (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) [who made 280,000gns to Domeland] last time.”

The Tanzanite team can count themselves lucky to have come away with Circuit Breaker as, just when the hammer was about to fall, Harold Kirk tried to throw in one last bid. Alas, it was too late and the principal buyer for Ireland's champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins was forced to fill the role of the underbidder.

Mt Fugi Park was sourced by Coleman at the Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale for £290,000 after he won his point-to-point for trainer Donnchadh Doyle.

Coleman continued, “We were really pleased with Mt Fugi Park. The syndicate has two horses and they are both real out-and-out National Hunt types. For instance, Mt Fugi Park is very much a staying chaser of the future, and that's why we wanted to get something here with possibly a bit more speed.” 

That wasn't the only Beckett-trained gelding to be received well by the market as the previous lot, Campaign Trail (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), was sold to Ed Bailey Bloodstock and Peter Kerr Syndicates for 200,000gns. Both horses were consigned by Jamie Railton.

Buy of the day

Wednesday's buy of the day is something of a collaborative effort as the Racing Post's James Thomas made a strong case for Gaiden (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) to be given the nod. 

Trained by Richard Hannon, Gaiden was well-fancied and sent off as the 3-1 favourite to win on debut over the minimum trip at Windsor back in April. 

If connections had come away from that effort with any disappointment that would have soon dissipated with what the winner, Relief Rally (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), went on to achieve. 

Sadly, Gaiden hasn't followed a similar trajectory. She followed up on that effort with a rock-solid third in a listed contest at York, bagging valuable black-type in the process, but has been well-beaten in her three subsequent starts. 

Gaiden was knocked down to the Gaiden Partners for 32,000gns on Wednesday and she may well represent a bit of value. Even if she were never to set foot on a racecourse again, she has achieved black-type without winning and is by one of the sexiest stallions in the game. She looks well-bought. 

Away from Gaiden, Eastmore (GB) (Awtaad {Ire}) could look well-bought by Charles Byrnes at 80,000gns. Placed in all three of his maidens for legendary trainer Kevin Prendergast in Ireland, he has been snapped up by one of the shrewdest dual-purpose handlers in the business and looks an ideal type to go down that route.

Thought for the day

Is it just me or is this the first year in a while where the National Hunt trainers have been able to play on the higher-rated juvenile hurdle prospects?

In previous years, even the top operators were being blown out of the water by international buyers for the three-year-olds who stayed 10f and beyond. 

This week, we've had Jonjo O'Neill buy the 89-rated Circuit Breaker for 260,000gns while Ed Bailey landed Campaign Trail for 200,000gns. At a lower end, we saw Charles Byrnes secure a nice horse for 80,000gns while Gordon Elliott has added five to his team over the past few days.

There has been a dearth of collective talent in the two-mile hurdling division in recent years and this week's results can only be a positive with a view towards providing the sphere with a much-needed shot in the arm.

There are few things as exciting as a Champion Hurdler at full cry. Think of that golden era of Hardy Eustace, Brave Inca, Harchibald and Mac's Joy. 

We have been starved of such competition in recent years over hurdles but, who knows, the first signs of this avenue being reopened to the jumps handers were apparent at Tattersalls this week. Who knows, we could be writing about Circuit Breaker or Campaign Trail by the time Cheltenham rolls around.

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‘A Similar Hind End To Baaeed’ – Sea The Stars Colt Leads Way At Book 2

Many hands make light work. Or in this case, it was many feet and steps that allowed Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock to find and then secure the Sea The Stars (Ire) colt who topped the final session of Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Wednesday at 425,000gns.

It was Juddmonte's Sam Guyette, shortlisting for the top bloodstock agent this week, who first lauded the Norelands Stud-drafted colt as a potential nap. 

Brown revealed that, after taking this nugget with a heavy pinch of salt initially, he was then bowled over by Wednesday's topper when he made his way down to Highflyer.

“A lot of credit has to go to our spotters because it's very hard to get around these numbers,” Brown said after securing the colt for his existing client. “Sam Guyette, who works for Juddmonte, has been helping us get through the numbers this week and told me very early that there was a special horse for me to see. I sort of raised my eyebrows and went down to see him and went, 'wow, this is a very serious horse.' 

“I knew he'd be hard to buy. He's by one of the greatest stallions around and has a proper back page. Luckily I had somebody who was willing to stretch and have a proper go. He'll stay in England.”

The Sea The Stars colt is out of Dawn Approach (Ire) mare Miss Aiglonne (GB), who is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Mekhtaal (GB) (Sea The Stars). It was a combination of that strong pedigree and likable physical attributes that enticed Brown to go to 425,000gns. 

“He's not a huge horse,” the agent explained. “He's a perfectly-sized horse for me. I got to see Baaeed (GB) quite a lot in William Haggas's. Baaeed had this huge, flat quarter and great width of hip. He wasn't actually a huge horse. This horse had a similar hind end to Baaeed. He has great movement and is just a classy animal.”

Brown added, “We're all realists and know that most horses are not very good. But, buying a horse who looks like that and is by Sea The Stars, it gives you a chance of having a top Group 1 horse.”

Similarly to Book 1, the trade at Park Paddocks this week didn't quite compare to last year, but Brown was left focussing on the positives at close of play on Wednesday.

He concluded, “I think the market has been strong. I think it's been really good. It has been well documented that last week was tricky. This week has been hard to buy. 

“I didn't buy as many this week as I did last week and I've tried on plenty. There's definitely cracks and it would be foolish for everyone involved to say it was completely smooth sailing. But, overall, you'd have to have a positive take away from the sale.”

Key Figures Fall At Book 2

The key figures took a dip at Book 2 this year; the aggregate fell by 11% at Book 2 compared to 12 months ago. There were similar dips with the median and average which fell by 11% and 10% respectively. The clearance rate fell by 1% to 85%.

Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said, “As referenced last week the 2022 Tattersalls October Yearling Sales reached extraordinary heights the like of which we may not see for many years to come, so for Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale to produce returns which, although falling short of last year, compare favourably with all bar two renewals of Europe's largest yearling sale gives some perspective. 

“As recently as 2016 the turnover at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale was below 40 million guineas, with a then record average price of 65,000 guineas, a record-equalling median of 50,000 guineas and an unprecedented 117 lots selling for 100,000 guineas or more. This year's sale has achieved an average in excess of 80,000 guineas, a median second only to last year's runaway record and a clearance rate of 85%. 

“The outstanding Dubawi filly who topped the sale at 725,000 guineas was the second highest priced filly ever sold at this sale, 55 lots have sold for 200,000 guineas or more which is fractionally fewer than last year and the diversity of buyers has been notable at all levels of the market.”

He added, “As ever the support from the consignors has been outstanding. Year after year horses purchased at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale are successful at the very highest level throughout the world, annually demonstrating the extraordinary quality of yearlings that British and Irish consignors, alongside many from mainland Europe, commit to this sale. Buyers, both domestic and international, derive huge confidence from the consistent racecourse achievements of Tattersalls October Yearlings and buyers from throughout Europe and the Gulf region, as well as Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan and the USA have all made valuable contributions this week alongside the domestic British and Irish participants who will always be the backbone of the October Yearling Sales.

“It is a source of pride that Books 1 and 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale showcase so many of the best yearlings to be found in Europe, but as we move on to Books 3 and 4 we should also highlight the quality of the yearlings to be offered in the next few days. The likes of last year's Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Lezoo and recent Group 2 Beresford Stakes winner Deepone were both bought at Book 3 of the October Yearling Sale and are graphic illustrations of the opportunities still to be found at Tattersalls this week.”

Owner Makes Hay At Book 2 By Splashing Out On Nine Yearlings

Jim Hay, whose wife Fitri's colours have been carried by Irish Derby winner Fame And Glory (GB) and more recently by smart sprinters Khaadem (Ire) and Equilateral (GB), outlined his passion for British racing after buying nine yearlings at Book 2.

That outlay was headed by a 325,000gns Gleneagles (Ire) colt from Whatton Manor Stud on Wednesday. Hay had been active at the yearling sales from Arqana through to Keeneland, Goffs and now this week at Tattersalls. 

Shortly after snapping up the Gleneagles, the owner's Ciro Di Marzio (Justify), a €518,519 purchase from the Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale earlier this year, won a Kempton novice for trainer Ralph Beckett. 

Hay, who expects to be represented at the Breeders' Cup by Nakatomi (Firing Line) [who he owns in partnership with Sheikh Fahad] and Starlust (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), admitted that his love for British racing comes fraught with frustrations, but put on the record his commitment to racehorse ownership after bolstering his team for next year. 

Hay said, “We bought a few today. We like Gleneagles and have had a lot of success with them-Royal Scotsman and Highland Chief-so we like the bloodline. The one we bought today is out of a Pivotal (GB) mare, the same as Royal Scotsman, so we like that cross. The experts [agents Ed Sackville and Dermot Farrington] tell me that he looks the business.”

He added, “UK racing is in a terrible bloody state financially. But that's okay, we'll keep doing what we've been doing for twenty-odd years. We'd love UK racing to actually become sensible and be funded properly.”

Hay ran 34 individual horses in Britain this year alone and, along with Beckett, he supports Andrew Balding, Paul and Oliver Cole, Richard Hannon, Charlie Hills and more. A 310,000gns Churchill colt bought from Clare Castle Stud also featured on Wednesday's shopping list for a man who spent $1 million at Keeneland earlier this year. However, Hay relayed his ongoing worry over what the future lies for the industry in Britain due to affordability checks on punters.

He said, “The big dream with all of this for everyone is to produce a stallion that could potentially be worth a lot of money. Otherwise, the whole thing is just basically shredding money. The other thing is these affordability checks. 

“A bookie won't let me put a fifty quid each-way bet on but I've just spent over three-hundred-grand on a horse. This is the nonsense in all of it. All this kind of stuff needs to come to a halt.”

The Gleneagles colt was consigned by Whatton Manor Stud, who were also in lights when selling a Too Darn Hot (GB) colt to Highclere for 320,000gns. Those figures elevated Whatton Manor Stud to end Book 2 as the second busiest consignors with 22 selling for 1,879,000gns. That was only bettered by the 2,628,000gns aggregate posted by Tally-Ho Stud for 28 yearlings. 

Reflecting on the week, Whatton Manor's Ed Player said, “Trade feels tough when you are selling quite a few horses. We had four horses in Book 1 and 25 in Book 2. It has been quite tough but, if you have nice horses, there are plenty of people for it. It definitely feels tougher than it has done in previous times but trade just can't keep going up year after year. But, if you have a nice horse, there is still great trade.”

He added, “A lot of work has gone into these two weeks. The guys at home work incredibly hard and you've just got to try and show the horses as best you can. If people don't like them, that's the market value at that given time. When Tattersalls come and inspect the horses in June, obviously some progress a lot and others don't do as well. Overall, trade is perfectly okay but it's just tougher this year than other years.”

O'Brien Lands Colt By 'One Of The Top Sires In The World' 

Joseph O'Brien has been a constant presence at Tattersalls since Book 1 and bought horses at every level in the past week. The leading trainer picked up a 310,000gns Siyouni (Fr) under the banner of Opm Equine, a partnership that includes American bloodstock agent Justin Casse. 

O'Brien commented, “Siyouni has had an exceptional year. This is a nice strong colt and we're lucky to have gotten him. We've had a few by Siyouni and he's one of the top sires in the world. We're delighted to have him. He's been bought with Justin Casse and Olivia Perkins-Mackey, who works with Justin. We're looking forward to hopefully a mature two-year-old.”

The Siyouni was expertly pinhooked by Guy O'Callaghan of Grangemore Stud from Etreham at Arqana last December for €78,000. He is out of an unraced Invincible Spirit (Ire) mare whose dam is a sister to high-class Ballydoyle-trained runners Rhododendron (Ire), Magical (Ire) and Flying The Flag (Ire).

O'Callaghan said, “He is a smashing colt from a very good family and Siyouni has had an amazing season with two of the best three-year-olds [Tahiyra and Paddington] around. This is just a lovely simple horse and I bought him with my brother Robert for €78,000 from Haras d'Etreham and the late Lady O'Reilly.”

Golden touch

By Georgia Cox 

Lot 1270 

Sire: Mohaather (GB) Dam: Maid For Winning (GB)

Bred by Claiborne Farm

Consigned by Ballyvolane Stud

Purchased by Howson & Houldsworth Bloodstock for the Guest Family

This colt is out of the well-named Maid For Winning, who has produced seven winners from eight runners including three black-type performers. Most notable of which is the Group 3 winner Yourtimeisnow (GB) (Charm Spirit {Ire}). 

Bought by John Foley under the banner of GHS Bloodstock at the Tattersalls December Foal Sales for 55,000gns, the Mohaather colt almost doubled in price when selling to Howson and Houldsworth Bloodstock on behalf of the Guest family for 100,000gns on Wednesday.

The Guest family are big supporters of George Margason and the trainer could have plenty to look forward to with this colt by freshman sire Mohaather, the progeny of which have been snapped up by notable buyers, including Shadwell, Highflyer, Ed Sackville, Dermot Farrington and Paddy Twomey this week alone.

Buy of the day

A strong case can be made for the last horse [lot 1351] in the ring on Wednesday, a belter of a Blue Point colt, being the best bought horse on the day. Consigned by Hascombe & Valiant Stud, this colt snuck marginally under the average [133,900gns] posted by the stallion this week at 130,000gns, but he was anything but average. He was bought by Thomond O'Mara, a prominent breeze-up handler and, assuming the colt breezes well, he could be one to turn a profit. He'd fit in nicely at the Craven Breeze-Up Sale here next spring and looks very well-bought. 

Thought for the day

Some of the talent displayed by the sales staff on the sales ground over the past few days has been off the charts. We have had the odd yearling get loose in the parade ring, but thankfully, there was no harm done. That's been down to the quick-thinking and skill displayed by the men and women on the ground. A job well done.

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Lope De Vega’s La Filomena Anchors Trade At Arqana

The second and final day of the Arqana Summer Sale featured both breeding stock and horses in training, and it was one of the latter contingent, La Filomena (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (lot 480), who proved the most expensive at €395,000 on a bid from Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock on behalf of Speriamo Bloodstock's Larry Young.

Offered by Jean-Claude Rouget, who led the way as a vendor during the second day with six sold for a gross of €734,000, the George Kent-bred 3-year-old filly placed at two and has won twice from three starts at three for Peter Brant's White Birch Farm. The full-sister to stakes winner and Group 3-placed Epic Poet (Ire) was also third in the Listed Prix Melisande at ParisLongchamp in June. Under the second dam is three-time Group 1 winner and new Darley stallion Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}).

Boman said of the 210,000gns Tattersalls December foal turned 310,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling, “She's a lovely filly with a great pedigree. This type of filly is hard to find. She is lightly raced and has already shown herself at listed level. Her sire is a good stallion and she hails from a great family that we know well as we bought Perfect Power.”

 

AQPS gelding Jamaico (Fr) (Cokoriko {Fr}) brought €310,000 from Hubert Barbe's Horse Racing Advisory, Thursday's leading buyer, who signed for two lots for a total of €400,000. Consigned by Emmanuel Clayeux, lot 505 has won once over jumps at Auteuil this year and was bred by the Cypres family.

“I've bought him for Caroline Tisdall who has horses in training with David Pipe,” said Barbe. “She really wants to have a good chaser that could run at all the big meetings. He has everything going for him. He made a really nice comeback in a bumper at the beginning of the season and still has a lot of improvement in him. We had to battle a bit to get him, so we are very happy.”

 

 

Full Of Shade (Fr) (No Risk At All {Fr}) (lot 495), another horse from the jumps sphere, went to Pierre Boulard of PB Bloodstock, Harold Kirk and Willie Mullins for €280,000. Consigned by Ballyreddin and Busherstown, the placed 4-year-old filly is a half-sister to graded winner The Reader (Fr) (Lando {Ger}) and listed scorer Vintage (Fr) (Nickname {Fr}).

Boulard said, “She's a lovely mare by No Risk At All, a stallion that we think a lot of. We're really happy with our purchase.”

 

No Risk At All also featured as the covering sire of lot 290, Sideralis (Fr) (Kapgarde {Fr}), the sale's top-priced broodmare. The Haras de la Vallee-consigned mare went to Jean-Christian Raymond and Thomas Maudet for €145,000.

“Her pedigree speaks for itself,” Raymond said. “She's a daughter of Kapgarde, a very good broodmare sire, and she's in foal to an excellent stallion in No Risk At All. Maurice Rohaut, his son Francois and Jean-Marie Mercier introduced me to Thoroughbreds. She is my eighth mare and I'm very happy.”

The Aga Khan's homebred Hamsiyann (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (lot 473) caught the eye of Toby Jones for €250,000. Part of the Aga Khan Studs' draft, the son of Harasiya (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) won a 2300-metre race at Tarbes in June in the colours of his breeder, his second victory in six starts. He is from the family of G3 Prix de Guiche winner Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who was runner-up in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club.

“He'll join Tony Martin in Ireland,” said Toby Jones. “He's a lovely horse and I really liked the way he won on his last start.”

 

Fabrice Vermeulen's Mqse De Maintenon (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) (lot 487) brought €185,000 from David Hilton and Oakgrove Stud. The dual winner was placed in the Listed Prix des Lilas this term and is a half-sister to the multiple group-placed Shamardal filly Grecian Light (Ire).

“We're delighted,” said Hilton, who manages Oakgrove. “It's a family that we know well and we're very pleased to support it once again. The filly is very talented and I think she still has a lot to offer. We have a good programme for fillies in England and we can't wait to see her race there.”

 

During Thursday's session, 164 sold of 189 offered (86.7%) for a gross of €5,742,000. The average declined fractionally to €35,012 (-1.8%) and the median rose to €14,000 (+27.3%). For the sale as a whole, 346 sold of 411 through the ring (84.2%) for a gross of €11,833,750. The average was €34,202 (-0.6%) and the median was €20,000 (+25%). Guy Petit was the top buyer by aggregate, with five purchased for a total of €453,000 during the two-day stand. The Channel Consignment filled that same role among the consignors, with 22 sold for a gross of €1,435,000.

Arqana President Eric Hoyeau and Executive Director Freddy Powell said, “The two days of sales came to a close with very good results across the board. After an exceptional sale last year, it was sustained across all categories with strong demand for the top-of-the-range profiles, such as the historic top price achieved during the stores section yesterday for a son of Zarak (Fr) offered from The Channel Consignment that was bought for €240,000 by Guy Petit. As usual, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to our vendors, as well as to the many buyers who made the trip to Deauville. We will now turn our attention to August, which this year will host the first edition of the Arqana Series on the eve of the August Sale.”

The post Lope De Vega’s La Filomena Anchors Trade At Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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