Tag: Yuesheng Zhang

‘We’re Confident He’ll Justify It’ – Donohoe On Lucky Vega’s Book Of Mares

Few stallions who stand in and around the €15,000 bracket can boast a book of mares quite like Lucky Vega (Ire). The Group 1-winning juvenile has been supported by his owner Yuesheng Zhang from the outset and, judging by the Chinese businessman's spending at the premier mare sales through BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe last year, that backing is set to continue. 

While the majority of the prominent owner's European-based mares will visit Lucky Vega this year, a number will also be spread out between Frankel (GB), Baaeed (GB), Sea The Stars (Ire), Siyouni (Fr) and Mehmas (Ire), with Donohoe revealing that the ultimate aim is to breed another stallion prospect. 

But the early indication, according to the County Kilkenny native, is that Lucky Vega is worthy of the mammoth support. The leading bloodstock agent and advisor says that he was most impressed by the first foals by the sire down under in Australia and reports the first crop of European-bred foals by the stallion to be catching the imagination of some notable breeders. 

Donohoe said, “We have always been a big believer in Lucky Vega and are happy to support him in a big way. He didn't show what he was capable of on the track and we know that. 

“Okay, he won his Group 1 but a decision was made pretty early in his three-year-old career for him to go to Australia. In hindsight, there were plenty of races that we could have aimed for and won after Royal Ascot with him.”

Michael Donohoe | Tattersalls

He added, “I think Jessica Harrington would also agree that her horses might not have been firing on all cylinders during the spring of his three-year-old campaign so there are a lot of reasons to believe that we did not see the best of Lucky Vega on the track for all that he won his Group 1. People seem to be amazed about the backing Mr Zhang is giving Lucky Vega but we have no doubt whatsoever in our minds. He is a fabulous-looking horse and the foals are fabulous as well. 

“I was in Australia earlier in the year for the Magic Millions Sale and I was delighted to see for myself what I had been hearing from all of the top judges down there because his foals really were gorgeous. There aren't as many on the ground here in Ireland yet but the early reports are that they are as good a bunch as you will see so we're very excited. He's getting a lovely type.”

One of the major themes to develop from the sale season in 2022 was the strength of Zhang through Donohoe at all of the major sales. All told, the owner spent roughly €20 million upgrading his broodmare band, concentrating on broodmares by Galileo (Ire) in particular. 

Donohoe explained, “There are so many smart mares booked into Lucky Vega this year. Obviously we put in a lot of work at the mare sales last year on behalf of Mr Zhang but, for these young stallions, there aren't too many nicks. 

“Lope De Vega (Ire) has done quite well himself with the Danehill line but that's probably the only standout. Mr Zhang bought a lot of Galileo mares last year because Galileo is one of these freakishly-good sires whose mares seem to nick with everything. He's just very potent as a broodmare sire. So Lucky Vega has covered a lot of nice Galileo mares already and he will cover a lot more again this year.”

He added, “Physically, Lucky Vega matches up well with these Galileo mares as he seems to be putting the strength into his stock with great, big back ends on them. Because he was a quite precocious and fast horse himself, we think he could inject that speed into the Galileo mares. We think that could be a good cross. 

“But we don't buy mares just for the sake of it either. We put a value on them and, if it goes over that value, we pull up.”

Zhang is expected to support Lucky Vega with over 50 of his own broodmares this year, the majority of which boast mouthwatering pedigrees. Asked to nominate some of the most exciting mares set to visit the young stallion, Donohoe joked, 'where do I start,' before putting forward a few of the more recent additions to the team.

“Let's Misbehave (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) could be a good mare to include,” he said. “She is a half-sister to High Chaparral (Ire) who we bought for €920,000 at Arqana last year. It's a tremendous pedigree and she's already the dam of a high-class War Front filly called Sippinsoda (Fr). She's a young mare who is the dam of a stakes winner from her first three foals and from a proper deep stallion-producing family. She is in foal to Siyouni and will go to Lucky Vega this year so she is definitely one we are excited about. 

“Lucrece (GB) is a beautiful Pivotal (GB) mare who is the dam of Hello You (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and a half-sister to Signs Of Blessing (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). She was €710,000 from Arqana last year as well and is a fabulous-looking mare. Hello You was a proper fast two-year-old so Mr Zhang is not just sending those Galileo mares to Lucky Vega. He's giving him a chance to produce something with precocity as well.”

He added, “Expressionism (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is a nice mare out of Lady Springbank {Ire}). She's in foal to him already actually and will go back to him again this year. She actually only cost 200,000gns from Godolphin at Tattersalls in 2021 and is from a good family. It's a family we know well because Eamonn Riley of BBA Ireland bought Lady Springbank for the Gittins family. 

“Revenue Share (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is an interesting one as she's a sister to the dam of Sea Of Class (Ire). Mr Zhang bought a few mares in Japan to visit Lucky Vega and it's nice because it will be something different. Mr Zhang does a lot of research and follows racing on an international scale and obviously the success that Japan has had and the bloodlines that they are working with interests him greatly. He's investing in that now so it's amazing really.”

They say the secret to becoming an overnight success is the culmination of years of hard work. In the case of this emerging owner-breeder, who enjoyed a breakthrough Classic success with Magical Lagoon (Ire) (Galileo) in the Irish Oaks last year and flexed his muscles at most of the major yearling and mare sales in Europe last term, the seeds had been planted over a decade ago. 

Donohoe explained, “Mr Zhang has been observing and doing his research for over 10 years now and didn't just rush into it without having his homework done like others in his position might have done. 

“He has taken his time and built up a strong team here in Ireland and Australia. He has a really good, young and dynamic team in Australia, headed by Sam Fairgray, and all of his family are involved as well. It's something that he has been building up to for a long time. This whole project has been years in the making. I've learned a lot from Mr Zhang-he's a genius.”

As well as sending a strong book of his own mares to the Irish National Stud resident, Zhang is reported to have a strong understanding of the bigger picture by Donohoe, who revealed that the owner plans on investing in a number of foals by the stallion this year. 

On other notable mares set to visit Lucky Vega, Donohoe said, “It's Magic (Ire) is a Galileo half-sister to Mukhadram (GB) who we gave €490,000 for at Arqana in 2021. It's a deep family. “High Heels (Ire) is another very nice Galileo mare being a stakes-placed daughter of Charlotte Bronte (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). This family is a real fillies-producing family. Recover Me (Fr) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is another nice stakes-placed mare from a stakes-producing French family that includes So Unique (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), who is also in Mr Zhang's broodmare band. 

“Mrs Frankel (Ire) (Frankel {Ire}) is quite an interesting one as well because Mr Zhang is a big believer in Frankel as a broodmare sire. Mrs Frankel is from the family of Gregorian (Ire) and is a sister to Hidden Dimples (Ire) in France. There is a lot of speed in the family.”

He added, “Ligne D'Amour (Ire) is worth a mention being a Galileo daughter of Rosdhu Queen (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). She has a gorgeous Lucky Vega filly foal at foot and will go back to him this year. 

“Atone (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) is a nice mare we bought in foal to Frankel from Juddmonte. She's a sister to Midday (GB) and has a cracking page. She should be a nice mare for Lucky Vega. Lights On Me (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}), who is the dam of Light Infantry (Fr) (Fast Company {Ire}), is another. It's just a very exciting time for the stallion and we're confident that he will justify all of the support.”

Donohoe told TDN Europe last week that Zhang was expanding his string of horses in training in Britain, with Karl Burke set to train 20 two-year-olds for the owner, who is keen not to keep all of his eggs in the one basket with number one trainer Jessica Harrington. 

That approach is somewhat mirrored to the broodmare band with Zhang set to support a number of proven and up-and-coming stallions to go with Lucky Vega. 

Donohoe said, “Mr Zhang is a big fan of Baaeed and is going to send mares to him this year. Lady Hayes (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), who was second in the G2 Lancashire Oaks, Shomooly (Frankel) and Aspiring (Ire) (Galileo), a sister to Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}), will go to Baaeed. 

“He will send three to Frankel. Bocca Baciata (Ire) (Big Bad Bob {Ire}), who won the G2 Kilboy Estate S. for Jessica Harrington, is going to him. As I mentioned before, Mr Zhang has been a massive fan of Frankel from the beginning. He sent a lot of mares to him and bought a lot of mares in foal to him in Australia as well. He's had a big role to play in the initial success Frankel has enjoyed in Australia. 

“The plan is to send German 1,000 Guineas winner Txope (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), who we bought at Arqana last year for €1.2 million, to Frankel. French Dressing (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is another nice mare going to Frankel and is actually in England already. She is the dam of Mohaafeth (Ire) (Frankel) so the plan is to go back to him.”

He added, “Rasmiya (Ire) (Galileo) will go to Siyouni (Fr). She is a sister to Above Average (Ire) (High Chaparral). We'll also send Zerziyna (Fr), a Fastnet Rock mare who we bought at Arqana, to Sea The Stars (Ire). She's a daughter of Zarkava (Ire) and is a gorgeous-looking mare. 

“We also plan on sending mares to Mehmas. He has had to do it the hard way and his results speak for itself. He's a proper stallion and his progeny know where the winning line is-they really try to win. Bay Of Islands (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) will go to Mehmas. She's the dam of a stakes winner called Bahrani Star (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). 

“Maria Montessori (Ire) (Galileo), a daughter of Lesson In Humility (Ire) (Mujadil), is from a speedy family and will go to him as well. Slaney East (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), a nice mare we bought in foal to Mehmas from Jim Bolger, will go back to him along with Eaves (Ire) (Galileo).”

 

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Yuesheng Zhang Expands String: Karl Burke To Train 20 Horses For Owner

Prominent owner Yuesheng Zhang has placed more emphasis than ever on his runners trained in Britain ahead of the new Flat season, with Karl Burke set to be the main beneficiary after receiving 20 horses to train for the Chinese businessman. 

Jessica Harrington, who has provided Zhang with the majority of his big-race success, including a breakthrough Classic victory in last year's Irish Oaks with Magical Lagoon (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), remains the number one trainer for the hugely-successful international ownership vehicle. Harrington also trained Zhang's Group 1-winning stallion Lucky Vega (Ire), who has been heavily supported by his owner since he joined the roster at the Irish National Stud, and those mating plans will be revealed in TDN Europe next week.

The remainder of this year's European crop of runners will be divided up between Joseph O'Brien and Michael O'Callaghan in Ireland while John and Thady Gosden, Archie Watson, Andrew Balding, Charlie Hills and William Haggas feature on the British roster.

Mick Donohoe | Tattersalls

“Jessie Harrington will train the majority of the horses this year but we're changing things a little in that we will be supporting a few other trainers as well,” explained BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe, who manages the racing and breeding interests of the powerful owner.

The reason for the diversification, according to Donohoe, was borne through a desire expressed by Zhang not to have all of his horses housed in one stable. 

Donohoe said, “We have a little over 40 2-year-olds in training this season and, while Jessica will be the main trainer, it's important not to have all of your eggs in the one basket.

“Mr. Zhang has been closely following the career of Karl Burke in England. Karl, Eamonn Reilly [of BBA Ireland] and myself have a long association together, so it looks a good fit for everyone.”

He added, “Karl will train 20 horses for us this year, the majority of which are 2-year-olds, and we're looking forward to that. We've also spread a few out between Joseph O'Brien and Michael O'Callaghan in Ireland and then Andrew Balding, Archie Watson, Charlie Hills, William Haggas and John Gosden in England. 

“When you are dealing with the number of horses that Mr. Zhang now has in training, he is right not to be putting all of his eggs in the one basket. The big thing with racehorses is keeping them healthy and, no matter how much due diligence each yard applies, horses are bound to get sick sometimes. When you have your horses spread out between a few different yards, it's definitely a good thing. 

“All of those trainers we are supporting, they are some of the best at their trade, and Karl is a multiple Group 1-winning trainer who has been operating consistently to a high level for a number of years now. We also bought Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) off Andrew Balding last year and Mr. Zhang had been taking notice of his achievements for a while now as well.”

Multiple Group 1 winner Alcohol Free and the Group 1-placed Gan Teorainn (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) were purchased at last year's Tattersalls December Mares Sale by Donohoe to join the powerful Yulong Investments racing string in Australia. Magical Lagoon charted a similar path down under after that famous Curragh triumph and made her seasonal return for trainer Chris Waller at Rosehill on Saturday. 

Of the 30 or so horses in training with Harrington this season, Danvers Gold (Ire) (Galileo {Galileo {Ire}}) was put forward by Donohoe as being one of the most exciting. However, the leading bloodstock agent admitted that there are a host of talented 2-year-olds bobbing their heads above the parapet in time for the new campaign. 

He said, “Jessica has a few nice Frankels (GB), Galileos and Dubawis (Ire) so it's a very exciting time. She also has Lucky Vega's sister by Phoenix Of Spain (Ire), who has been named Lucky Melody (Ire). The word on Phoenix Of Spain is very good and this particular filly is showing Jessie an awful lot already. 

“There's a very nice No Nay Never filly called With Style (Ire) who we bought at Goffs there as well. She is showing a lot and there's an exciting filly, Danvers Gold, who was second in her only start last year at Naas. We've high hopes for this filly and she might even run in one of the fillies' Guineas trials early in the season. There's a nice Showcasing (GB) colt called Imperial Magic (GB) who should also be out early. He looks quite precocious and could be one for one of those early-season maidens.”

Donohoe added, “Karl has a lovely Dandy Man (Ire) colt. I actually bought his brother, Show Respect (Ire), who ran in Hong Kong today [Saturday].  He also has a very nice Dark Angel (Ire) homebred out of Black Gold Fairy–this horse is showing a lot.

“He has another homebred, Lady Hamana (Aus), who is an I Am Invincible filly out of Lake Hamana. She was bred on Northern Hemisphere time down in Australia. She was actually trialled in Australia and, when she started to show a bit, Mr. Zhang decided to send her to England. She wasn't beaten far in a listed race in France last season so we're hoping she's a stakes sprinter to look forward to this year.

“Karl also has an Invincible Spirit (Ire) filly out of I Am Beautiful (Ire) who was bred by Lucky Vega's breeder Pat O'Kelly. We've had a lot of luck buying off Pat. There's also a nice No Nay Never colt out of Lady Corsica (Ire) with Karl while Archie Watson has a nice Frankel colt. Archie is already talking about the Chesham for that horse, which is exciting. We're really looking forward to the new season.”

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Malavath Moyglare-Bound After Record Day at Arqana

By Emma Berry and Brian Sheerin

DEAUVILLE, France–A memorable anniversary year for Moyglare Stud was rounded off with some select purchases at Arqana's Breeding Stock Sale, including top lot, Malavath (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) (lot 199), at €3.2 million on a day when the the single session aggregate was more than the entire sale last year.

The Co Meath-based farm owned by Eva-Maria Bucher-Haefner and established by her father Walter Haefner celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, and in quite some style on the track, courtesy of the Irish Classic winner Homeless Songs (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and the champion stayer Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was bred and raced in partnership with Coolmore.

The 3-year-old Malavath, twice runner-up at Group 1 level and the winner of a Group 2 and Group 3 in France, will race on, bearing the famous black, white and red silks in America, where she will be trained by Christophe Clement after leaving Francis Graffard's stable.

“Now all she has to do is to win a Group 1,” said Moyglare's bloodstock advisor Fiona Craig. “She's lovely, and physically she'll make a nice mare for Moyglare down the road; we can breed her to just about anything. I think America is the place for her. She likes the tracks there. I think she'll struggle to get a full mile here whereas I think a mile over there should be within her limits. That's the plan anyway, and we all know that plans don't always work out.”

She continued, “We have lots of lovely mares but they stay a bit and now we just need a bit of speed, and that's what she has. Eva saw her earlier and she liked her. You can't really pick any holes in her.

“It's been a great year. We've had a lot of luck, we know it won't keep going like that but we've been through the lulls and now we've had some luck.”

Swiss-born Barbara Keller, who owned Malavath with David Redvers and Everest Racing, said of her compatriot Bucher-Haefner's purchase, “It's from Switzerland to Switzerland. We're very old friends and she couldn't be going to a better place.”

Moyglare later bought lot 204, Dr. Christoph Berglar's Group 2 winner Amazing Grace (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), for €850,000 from the draft of Ronald Rauscher.

Gemini Stud's G1 Prix Vermeille winner Sweet Lady (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (lot 188) was another from the Graffard stable to reap a decent return and she will be on her way to England after being signed for by Claiborne's Bernie Sams on behalf of an undisclosed client of the farm for €2,050,000.

“She's for a man who has a couple of mares in England and she may come back to Kentucky eventually,” said Sams. “He wanted to try to buy a filly here with a race record and a good pedigree and she fits that bill.”

Bred by Chris Wright's British-based Stratford Place Stud, the 4-year-old Sweet Lady is a daughter of the dual listed winner High Heel Sneakers (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and won six of her 15 starts, including the G2 Prix Corrida and G3 Prix de Flore.

 

 

Rocketing Figures

Malavath was one of a septet of seven-figure lots on a day which easily outstripped the stellar returns of 2021, with those leading lights selling respectively to interests from America, Japan, Australia, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. In just one day, the turnover was up 9% on the entire aggregate for four days of last year's sale, and by 42% on last year's opening session. The tally weighed in at €45,882,000 by the time the last of 238 lots had exited the ring in a session which lasted for more than 12 hours. A clearance rate of 79% was achieved, with the average of €244,045 up by 16%, and the median up to €115,000 from €87,000.

 

 

Burgarita Headlines Big Baroda Payday

He may have pocketed €2.7 million in sales within the space of 20 minutes but Baroda Stud's David Cox could be forgiven for feeling there was more to be extracted from Burgarita (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) (lot 177), who was knocked down prematurely to Anthony Stroud for €1.7million just as a last-gasp bid was placed.

A huge groan went out among those in attendance at the packed sales complex but Cox countered that the failed bidder had long enough to get involved as the price hovered through an arduous bidding process on €1.7 million, and the leading consignor wasn't in the mood for arguing with French law.

The sale of the G1 Prix de Diane-placed Burgarita represented the most expensive lot sold by Cox's Baroda Stud and it was quickly followed by Nick Bradley's teak-tough Oscula (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), a 4,000gns yearling purchase, selling for €1 million to Ted Voute on behalf of Prince Faisal's Nawara Stud.

Cox explained, “In fairness, the underbidders had plenty of time to put in their bid and, once the hammer goes down, it's French law that the deal is done. When I saw the Godolphin team looking at her I thought she was an ideal filly to go to Dubawi (Ire). There's still racing in her, if that's what they want to do, but she's a gorgeous filly and one to look forward to in the breeding shed.”

Shortly after the sale, Stroud embraced Cox and joked, “Well, we got there eventually.” He later revealed to the press, “It's a family I know very well because of the Wildensteins and Dayton. We thought she'd be an ideal candidate for Dubawi.”

Baroda Stud brought a select draft of 11 to Arqana while the majority of the team stayed at home in Ireland to prepare for the December National Hunt Sale at Goffs. Cox paid tribute to his dedicated team of staff after the sale of Oscula as well as paying special thanks to BBA Ireland's Mick Donohoe for entrusting him to sell Burgarita on behalf of his client.

 

Cox said, “Fair play to Mick Donohoe, who sold the filly on behalf of his client [Ama.Zingteam], so I am delighted for them. She's a quality Sea The Stars filly with a great temperament. I think it's the highest-priced horse we've ever sold and to have another millionaire walk through the ring a couple of lots later in Oscula was great. She is a tough filly and hopefully she is lucky for them.

“The team are at home and are getting ready to roll on Monday. We have a great team. Between the lads on the farm who steer the ship at home and never come to the sales to Padraic Gahan in the office and Noel McDonnell here at the sales. We have great people working for us and without them we couldn't do it.”

He added, “If anything, Burgarita and Oscula highlight the advantages to selling in the sales ring rather than on the private market. Owners are being inundated with private offers throughout a season but I think today proved that there's no better way to sell a classy filly than in the ring. When two, three or four buyers take each other on, there's no ceiling to what a horse can make and that was evident today. Also, the hype of a sale is great and we have some very happy owners and buyers alike so hopefully it's a win-win for everyone.”

Oscula has more than paid for her paltry yearling price tag during her two seasons in training with George Boughey with three Group 3 wins as well as a listed contest under her belt. The 3-year-old filly has also earned black type on another 10 occasions, including when third in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac.

“Prince Faisal selected her,” said Voute. “He watches all the videos and the pictures and we're just the team on the ground and went around to make sure everything is okay and organise vettings. He's chosen her to support Mishriff in his first season at stud here at Sumbe. She was a bit like Mishriff, they were both tough as nails and hopefully they will produce something good together. I'm suspecting Prince Faisal will send Mishriff a half a dozen mares. Half the broodmare band will probably go to him but plans will be finalised when the sales are over.”

 

 

Hello You…And Your Mum

Shadai Farm made its presence felt when snapping up G2 Rockfel S. winner Hello You (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) (lot 195) for €1,550,000 on a day when the speedy 3-year-old's dam Lucrece (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) (lot 164) went through the ring for €710,000 to BBA Ireland.

Hello You was trained by David Loughnane and owned by Amo Racing. She was bought by Robson Aguiar for €350,000 at the Arqana Deauville Select Yearling Sale in 2020 and has done her connections proud.

Takuya Fujita, who signed for the filly on behalf of Shadai Farm, revealed that Hello You's speed is what attracted him most.

He explained, “My first impressions of Hello You when I saw her on the sales ground were that she had a really good walk. I thought she was my pick of the day and her conformation was perfect. She achieved good performances as a race filly but, more than that, she is just a very good mare.”

Asked if Hello You would stay in training or be retired to the breeding shed, he replied, “Well, we haven't decided that yet and we need to talk to my boss first. This is my first time attending this sale. I thought the beginning of the sale was slow and quiet, not what I expected. Now the market has got stronger and stronger and the goalposts will only go so far.”

He added, “The European pedigrees have made a big imprint on our breeding and racing in Japan. I try to find mares with good speed rather than stamina which is why I picked up this filly.”

Hello You and Lucrece were consigned by Ecurie des Monceaux and the latter, who featured among BBA Ireland's massive haul, was sold in foal to Frankel.

Shadai also paid €400,000 for the Ronald Rauscher-consigned Group 3 winner Noble Heidi (Fr) (Intello {Ger}) (lot 167) and €160,000 for Henri-Alex Pantall's Wooturn (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) (lot 87).

 

 

Flay's Treble Of Smart Fillies

Bobby Flay has enjoyed notable success with his European broodmare purchases and he signed up three more decent prospects on Saturday for a collective €2,450,000.

Lot 208, Final Gesture (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), bought for €925,000 from Godolphin, is a filly with almost all the bases covered. A dual winner with some minor black type herself, her mother, the Newsells Park Stud-bred Secret Gesture (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), was a Group 2 winner and placed in two Classics and is a sister to two Group 1 winners. Further back in the family there's the Arc winner Sagamix (Fr) as well as one of the most precocious and classy sprinters of recent years, Perfect Power (Ire).

“This is the kind of pedigree that I'm really interested in. She's by Dubawi, she's got some black type, she's out of a Galileo mare, and these are very, very hard to attain. This is a horse I hope I'll have for a very long time and I hope that my daughter will be breeding from this family in years to come.”

He added that Final Gesture will head to England to join his mares already boarding there and that she will visit a “top three to five stallion”.

Flay went to the same amount for Glinting (Ire), a 4-year-old daughter of Galileo (Ire) offered in foal to Wootton Bassett (GB) by La Motteraye Consignment. A non-winner herself, the filly (lot 219) is from a family steeped in black type and including her Group 3-winning brothers Bondi Beach (Ire) and Constantinople (Ire) as well as this season's leading juveniles Proud And Regal (Ire) and Silver Knott (GB).

The breeder and chef had earlier signed for lot 191, Ottilien (Fr) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), for €600,000, who was consigned by her trainer David Menuisier for Quantum Leap Racing, who also bred the sister of Group 1 winner Morandi (Fr). Ottilien's three wins include the Listed Prix Turenne and she was third in the G1 Prix de Royallieu in October.

 

Times Up For Hubie de Burgh

Renowned bloodstock agent Hubie de Burgh predicted that the 110-rated Times Square (Fr) could recoup her €1.25 million price tag if taking to racing in Australia after signing for the daughter of Zarak (Fr).

Times Square won twice for Christophe Ferland and was only narrowly beaten at the highest level on two occasions, including when going down by a neck in third behind Mangoustine (Fr) in the G1 French 1000 Guineas.

De Burgh said, “She has been purchased to go to Australia and will go and race down there. I can't tell you who is going to train her yet because the buyer is 35,000 feet in the air at the minute.”

He added, “We thought the opposition was going to be strong and, quite honestly, we thought we wouldn't be able to get her. She's a Group 1-placed 3-year-old by Zarak out of a Siyouni (Fr) mare, so they are two of the great proven stallions in Europe at the minute, and the family goes back well. The half-sister is group-placed and won her maiden very impressively so there are a lot of little things happening in the pedigree. With all the prize-money on offer in Australia, if she can go down there and be a good miler, she could bring back her costs very quickly.”

 

 

BBA Ireland Leads Buyers' Table

Michael Donohoe, bidding online from an office within the Arqana complex, was again one of the busiest agents in action, with a number of high-profile lots knocked down both in his name and that of BBA Ireland. The agent has been prominent throughout the sales season, often acting on behalf of his client Yuesheng Zhang of Yulong Investments, who last week bought Alcohol Free (Ire) for 5.4 millions gns to race on in Australia and was present at Arqana.

Donohoe confirmed that he was buying for a range of clients. He said, “A number of fillies are staying in training and going to Australia, one mare that I bought is going to America and one filly is going to the Middle East.”

Various BBA Ireland agents contributed to a haul of 35 purchases for the agency through the opening session for a total of €8,571,000. The list was  headed by lot 184, Let's Misbehave (Ire), a Montjeu (Ire) half-sister to High Chaparral (Ire) sold in foal to Siyouni from Haras du Cadran for €920,000.

 

Treve's Sister to Juddmonte

Juddmonte needs only to make selective purchases and a weanling half-sister to a dual G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner is just about as desirable as they come. So it was that the Le Havre (Ire) sister to Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}) passed from one great breeding operation to another for the sum of €675,000, providing some consolation as Haras du Quesnay prepares to close its doors, that those bloodlines will live on at one of the best farms in the world.

“It's sad to see the end of the Quesnay and she's a very special filly so we're delighted to have her,” said Juddmonte's Simon Mockridge of lot 166. “Obviously you've got a dual Arc winner under the first dam so this is an amazing opportunity. I know this was the last foal but for a May foal she is very well made and very strong.”

The first four lots from the Quesnay draft sold for a combined €1,525,000. Jill Lamb, buying on behalf of Newsells Park Stud, snapped up the first of the dispersal, going to €350,000 for the unraced mare Perle d'Auge (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}).

Sold as lot 31, the 5-year-old is a great granddaughter of Haras de Saint Pair's influential mare Pearly Shells (GB) (Efisio {GB}) and was bought by Quesnay just two years ago for €22,000. It is a family, however, which enjoys regular updates, including a recent Group 1 win for Pearls Galore (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) who is a half-sister to Perle d'Auge's listed-winning dam Pearly Steph (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Another of the young mare's half-sisters is Godolphin's Eternal Pearl (GB) (Frankel {GB}), the winner this year of Group 3 contests in France and England.

Perle d'Auge, who has an Intello (Ger) filly catalogued as lot 329 in Sunday's sale, was offered in foal to Persian King (Ire).

Lamb later signed for the second-most expensive foal of the session, a Kingman (GB) (lot 176) daughter of the Group 2 winner Castellar (Fr) (American Post {GB}), a half-brother to the Group 1 winner and sire Recoletos (Fr), at €400,000. She was also bought for Newsells Park, from Haras de San Isidro.

 

 

Aussies Get Stuck in

As Arqana's Australian representative, Damon Gabeddy has been responsible for bringing a large group of visitors from the Southern Hemisphere to Deauville, but he also runs his own bloodstock agency and as Belmont Bloodstock signed for three horses during Saturday's elite session. These included lot 142, the winner Roselyne (Fr), bought from the Fairway Consignment for €400,000.  Now three and in foal to Siyouni (Fr) on southern hemisphere time, Roselyne, who is by Shamardal's son Dariyan (Fr), is bred on a similar pattern to Lope De Vega (Ire), who is a half-brother to her dam Bal De La Rose (Fr) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}). Furthermore, Roselyne is a half-sister to German Group 1 winner Danceteria (Fr) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}).

“She's been bought for Nino Tufilli who is based in Western Australia but the mare will go back to New South Wales to Middlebrook Valley Stud. She has a beautiful pedigree, we love Siyouni and they work well down there. Nino has just watched Amelia's Jewel (Aus), who is by Siyouni, win the Group 1 in Australia, and he was rather keen to acquire her.

“We've probably got about 14 Aussies here at the sale and there has been terrific interest. They have been busy and have bought about 15 or 16 horses so far.”

 

Elliott Gets Business Done Early

Before the action sprung into life, Alex Elliott signed for an interesting filly in Miss Saigon (Ire) (lot 154), an unraced Galileo (Ire) daughter of G1 1000 Guineas winner Miss France (Ire) Dansili {GB}) in foal to Palace Pier (GB) for €400,000.

He said, “She has been bought for a new client and will be boarded at Whatton Manor Stud. She's by Galileo and out of a Guineas winner. She's a lovely filly and, as soon as she walked out of her box, I said that I was going to try and buy her. This is the first Flat mare that we have bought for this client.”

 

Trillium's Sister to Flintstone Stud

American Kestrel (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) (lot 116), the 3-year-old half-sister to G2 Flying Childers and G3 Molecomb S. winner Trillium (Ire) (No Nay Never), was the selection of agent Matthew Houldsworth on behalf of English breeder David Weston. Houldsworth signed for the stakes-placed winning juvenile at €385,000. Weston is the owner of Flintstone Stud, close to Manton in Marlborough.

The filly is the daughter of the Group 3-placed Rockliffe Stud mare Marsh Hawk (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) whose first three runners have all earned black type, including Mohawk King (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}).

“Marsh Hawk has been well mated and obviously Trillium is a very exciting filly,” said Houldsworth. “The idea is to cover her commercially. She will likely go to Ireland to Fergal Hogan and we'll look for a suitable stallion.”

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Champagne Celebration For 5.4m Alcohol Free At Tatts

By Emma Berry and Brian Sheerin

NEWMARKET, UK–Widely tipped for the top, Jeff Smith's Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) duly shone brightest in a galaxy of stars on display at Park Paddocks, bringing the second-highest price ever recorded at a European auction when the hammer fell at 5.4 million gns.

Yuesheng Zhang of Yulong Investments, acting through BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe, has flexed some serious fiscal muscle at the breeding stock sales this season and that reached a new high at Tattersalls on Tuesday when Donohoe outlasted Coolmore's MV Magnier in the race for the four-time Group 1 winner. The four-year-old Alcohol Free, who is set to race on in Australia, led the operation's mammoth haul.

During a frenetic three hours of the Sceptre Session plus a few illustrious wildcards, and with the Tattersalls auditorium at bursting point, 11 elite fillies and mares changed hands for seven-figure sums, with Saffron Beach (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) sold to Najd Stud for 3.6 million gns, and Godolphin picking up Tranquil Lady (Ire) (Australia {GB}) for 2.7 million gns to fill the top three.

On a day which saw the highest turnover in a single session at Tattersalls, the aggregate of 54,005,000gns was up by 29% on last year, with the average shooting up by 50% to 281,276gns, and the median by 7% to 112,500gns. A clearance rate of 83% was achieved from 192 horses sold.

The Sceptre Sessions, conducted over two consecutive evenings within the main catalogue, brought a total of 45,907,000gns for 71 sold at an average of 646,577gns. 

Donohoe, confirming that Alcohol Free would remain in training for a partnership, said, “She vetted extremely well for a filly who has plenty of miles on the clock, her reports were exemplary. The partners already have horses in training and breeding interests in Australia and obviously she'll make a fantastic broodmare at the end of her racing career. 

“I think there's 87 races in Australia next year worth a million-plus, so the prize-money on offer there is big, and she's that type of filly. She's won the July Cup over six furlongs then she stays a mile too so there'll be a lot of options for her. Fair play to Andrew Balding and the guys, they did a great job with her.”

He added, “I bought the dam last year for Yulong Investments at Goffs and she's got a lovely Lope De Vega foal at foot and she's back in foal to Lucky Vega.

“It's impossible to value those blue-chip fillies off the track, they're collectors' items because they don't come on the market very often. They're like Picassos, they're a rare commodity. I had a figure in my head though and I was bidding pretty strongly, so that might've indicated I had some petrol left in the tank.”

Bred by Churchtown House Stud, Alcohol Free was a rare non-homebred to race in the famous colours of Jeff Smith of Littleton Stud, who has campaigned such great names as Lochsong (GB), Arabian Queen (GB) and Persian Punch (Ire) during his long association with the turf. Littleton Stud manager David Bowe selected the daughter of No Nay Never and the Hard Spun mare Plying at the Goffs November Sale of 2018, signing for her at €40,000.

He said, “It's the end of a wonderful, wonderful journey that we have been on, a wonderful dream. 

“She walked in and looked beautiful. If it had been five years earlier with Jeff we might not have brought her to the sale ring. We have enough broodmares, she was not bred by us, but it is really to do with the timescale. She will make a beautiful mare in time and it is time for someone else.”

Bowe continued, “We have had so much luck. Everyone involved with her, the team at home on the farm, the Gaffneys whom we bought her from, all of her jockeys. I can't thank everyone enough.

“It has been emotional. Jeff is not here tonight, but it is all down to him: he let us buy her, let us all get involved in the whole dream. I am absolutely delighted, it is a beautiful end to our chapter, and we wish her new connections all the luck.”

Gan Teorainn (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) was the first filly to break the million mark and, like Alcohol Free, was snapped up by the BBA Ireland to head down under.

The Prix Marcel Boussac-runner up was trained by Jim Bolger and consigned by his grand-daughter Clare Manning of Boherguy Stud who described the filly as the “highest-profile horse” she has ever sold.

The 29-year-old said, “In one sense I'm not surprised that she made what she did but, in another, for her to go in there and make 1,000,000gns, it's unbelievable. Things like this don't happen too often. Everything just fell into place and it all went to plan.”

Manning added, “I was talking to Grandad. I said 'well done,' but he told me to go and congratulate the people who foaled her and all the team at Ennistown Stud, not him. Everyone played a part and we're all delighted. How could you not be?

“I spoke to Michael Donohoe briefly as he was running back into the ring. I don't know where she will go back into training but I hope she is very lucky wherever she goes. She is a Classic prospect and we are looking forward to following her career wherever she goes. I hope she is as lucky for him as she was for us.”

Donohoe, who purchased over 30 fillies and mares this week, described the catalogue as being exceptionally strong as well as explaining why he feels Gan Teorainn is a good fit for racing in Australia.

He said, “Gan Teorainn is going to Australia as well. She's a big two-year-old and what she did this year is extraordinary for a big filly. Again, she vetted exceptionally well and we'll give her a little bit of time to acclimatise in Australia. We'll decide on a trainer after that and she's for the same syndicate of people who bought Alcohol Free.”

He added, “Saxon Warrior has the makings of becoming a top-class Classic-type sire. He had a lot of maiden winners towards the back end of the season and they are hard to win. She is going to be a lovely miler, maybe even a mile-and-a-quarter filly in time, and she has a lovely pedigree as well so she should make a broodmare. We're delighted to get her as well. It's been an exceptional catalogue. It's rare that you get a catalogue so strong.”

Saffron Beach to the Saudi Cup

An international bidding duel between Shunsuke Yoshida of Japan's Northern Farm and Saudi Arabia's Najd Stud ended with the latter prevailing at 3.6 million gns for the dual Group 1 winner Saffron Beach (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). Like top lot Alcohol Free, the four-year-old will remain in training, and she will stay in Newmarket with Jane Chapple-Hyam to be prepared for the $20 million G1 Saudi Cup in February. 

“I'm very excited for these gentlemen,” said Chapple-Hyam standing alongside Saud Al Qahtani and Saud Bin Mishref of Najd Stud. “It's a big thrill and a big honour and we've got a good winter to look forward to. She's in good order, she's tough and I believe she'll get the nine furlongs out in Saudi. You never know about the surface but we'll give it a go. 

“She'll have a little rest now and then build her up and get her ready. I'll have to do a very good racecourse gallop because when I sent her to Dubai I felt even though we ran fourth the ones who finished in front of her had all had a run.”

Originally bought as a foal by Liam Norris for 55,000gns, Saffron Beach was an intended pinhook prospect for Ben Sangster and James Wigan, but a minor foot problem as a youngster kept her from returning to the sales. Eventually she was put into training with Sangster's step-sister Chapple-Hyam, for whom she won the G3 Oh So Sharp S. as a juvenile before landing the G1 Sun Chariot and G1 Prix de Rothschild at three and four as well as finishing runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas.

Lucy Sangster, who raced Saffron Beach with her son Ollie and James Wigan, added, “We've had just the best time ever. She's amazing. We've had a journey, from a foal and keeping her, to this. It's a story that has involved all of our family. When we broke her in at home during Covid our daughter Eliza rode her hunter alongside her. Our son Ollie owned a share and Jane is a family member too so it has been a great story for all of us.”

Tranquil Lady to Godolphin

It has been quite the year for the Quiet American mare Repose, who changed hands in a private transaction from the Cantillon family's Tinnakill House to the broodmare band of Juddmonte. Her second foal State Of Rest (Ire) (Straspangledbanner {Aus}) added the G1 Prix Ganay and G1 Prince of Wales's S. to his 2021 victories in the G1 Cox Plate and GI Saratoga Derby, while his year-younger half-sister  Tranquil Lady (Ire) (Australia {GB}) won two Group 3 races and brought the curtain down on her season by selling for 2.7 million gns to Godolphin at Tattersalls on Tuesday. 

Richard Ryan bought Tranquil Lady for £160,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale on behalf of Teme Valley Racing, who also raced State Of Rest during his first two seasons. 

He said,  “It was a bittersweet situation really. It's so hard to acquire something at this level, with these credentials: that clean, that sound, and her best year is next year. But we knew there was an incredible desire at this moment and you don't know how long those windows stay open. We were pretty brave to quite a long way ourselves to make sure she wasn't going to be undersold, and Joseph had a team very keen to try to retain her, but this is a fabulous result. There's a lot more to come from her.”

Anthony Stroud, who bought the three-year-old filly on behalf of Godolphin, said, ” Joseph O'Brien really recommended her, and he's done a great job with her. Physically, she's a very nice model and you can go two ways: we could keep her in training or she could retire. The decision will be made in due course. 

“There's plenty going on in the family and it's a family that seems to improve.”

Ville De Grace In Big Money Transfer To Lordship

Less than 24 hours after her dam Archangel Gabriel (Arch) topped the opening session of the December Mares Sale, her Group 3-winning daughter Ville De Grace (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}), bred by Hunscote Stud and Chris Humber, fetched 2 million gns to join the broodmare band at Lordship Stud.

Ville De Grace was signed for under the banner of One Agency and Tom Harris, son of Lordship Stud's Trevor Harris, explained why he felt the three-time winner, who was beaten just a nose to Dreamloper (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), would make a good addition.

Harris said, “We loved her and she was our pick of the sale. She is beautiful, athletic and a good race filly and is an outcross so she can be mated to all of the top stallions. It is very difficult to buy in this market, as owner-breeders we are trying to invest in new blood for the farm and something like her to come and breed for us is a long-term plan and an investment in the future. We are over the moon.

“It was a little bit more than we were initially going to pay, but it is so competitive and you go so far selecting the ones you like. If the foals are as good-looking and as athletic as she is well then we will be happy. It was nice to see the mum sell yesterday and she is producing very nice foals, and she will help us too.”

Consignor Jenny Norris was responsible for one of the biggest transactions in Tattersalls history when selling the Oaks winner Dancing Rain for 4 million gns nine years ago and, having led the opening session with Archangel Gabriel at 800,000gns, followed up with her daughter.

She said, “It has been amazing, we had so many views, and all the right people are here. All credit to Hunscote Stud, they bred her and raced her and had the courage of their convictions, and she has rewarded their efforts.”

Hunscote's Andy Lloyd added, “Our plan was to buy [out partner Chris Humber for] her mum, and we did. We knew there was phenomenal interest in the daughter from all over the world. I never dreamt in my wildest dreams but, hey, it's the market place at the moment. We had Japanese vetting, Americans, French, English.
“I'm sure Trevor will have big mating plans, which will only help our family.”

Derby Winner's Dam Joins Coolmore

It is a rare moment that the dam of the current year's Derby winner comes up for public auction, and rarer still that she is carrying a full-sibling to the Classic hero. 

Breeder Gary Robinson of Strawberry Fields Stud decided the time was right to offer Desert Berry (GB) (Green Desert) in foal to Nathaniel (Ire), the sire of her most illustrious offspring Desert Crown (GB). It is perhaps fitting that the breeding operation which has done more than most to support the Derby in recent years stepped forward to buy the 13-year-old mare, with MV Magnier going to 1.9 million gns. 

Desert Berry is also the dam of Hong Kong Group 3 winner Archie McKellar (GB) (Archipenko), as well as his full-sister Rose Berry (GB), who has been retained by Robinson and is now also in foal to Nathaniel. 

Magnier said of the mare, “At the end of the day she has bred a Derby winner, and from my point of view, which doesn't mean it's the right point of view, the Derby is everything. It's the most important stallion-making race. It's the holy grail, the greatest race. She's bred a Derby winner and she's carrying a full-sibling to the Derby winner.”

On next year's potential mating, he added, “There are plenty of options for her: she could go to any of the sons of Galileo, to Churchill or Australia.”

In celebratory mood, Newmarket-based Robinson said, “Merry Christmas! We are going to have a good party in a minute, job done.

“Definitely it is a problem losing one like that, but we have all the family back at home. It's a bit  like losing a beautiful woman, they leave you, but she has left me with her children.”

That brood includes a two-year-old filly by Al Kazeem (GB), a yearling colt from the first crop of Study Of Man (Ire), and a weanling full-brother to Desert Crown.

Robinson said, “The full-brother is very similar to Desert Crown, spot on, same character. She is a good mare, she teaches that character, she's an individual. That's what we all want to see.”

King And Queen Snapped Up By Northern Farm 

The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) confirmed herself one of the fastest two-year-olds to grace the turf when storming to G1 Prix de l'Abbaye glory at ParisLongchamp this term and that performance clearly earned international recognition as she was bought by Katsumi Yoshida for 1,200,000gns. 

The Tally Ho-bred filly carried the Middleham Park Racing colours with great distinction for Richard Fahey this season, winning four times, including that memorable French triumph, and while she was purchased by Northern Farm in Japan, there is a chance she could carry on racing in Europe next season. 

King's Harlequin (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a Group 3 and Listed winner in France as a juvenile for Sam Sangster and Nicolas Clement, joins The Platinum Queen in being Japan-bound with Yoshida's Northern Farm signing for the mare at 600,000gns. 

Normandie Stud's Au Revoir 

Phillipa Cooper insisted that there were no regrets after seeing her hugely successful broodmare disbanded for over four million gns and revealed that the Normandie Stud dispersal was made easier by the fact that the majority of the mares were sold to friends. 

Godolphin went to 1,400,000gns to secure Love Is You (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a daughter of Cooper's high-class Fallen for You (GB) (Dansili {GB}), who is in foal to St Mark's Basilica (Fr) and highlighted the Normandie Stud draft. 

All told, Cooper sold 16 mares for a total of 4,265,000, and speaking afterwards, said, “It is tinged with emotion but they have all been bought by friends which is so nice. It is bittersweet but the decision was made six months ago and it was the right decision. I have no regrets.”

Cooper added,  “I have only got two older mares left. I don't sell them beyond the age of 12. I have a few horses left to run but that's it. I don't want to breed anymore-it's too expensive.”

Twomey's Fillies Fetch A Million Apiece

Paddy Twomey's Group 1 winner La Petite Coco (Ire) (Ruler Of The World {Ire}) and Group 1-placed Rosscarbery (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) sold for 1,000,000gns apiece with the leading Irish trainer selling four fillies and mares for a total of 2,480,000gns under Athassel House Stud. 

La Petite Coco gained her Group 1 victory when landing the Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh this season while Rosscarbery, controversially demoted from third in that same race when her rider Wayne Lordan weighed in light due to a error on behalf of the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board, went on to finish second in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet.

Rosscarbery was snapped up by Charlie Gordon Watson Bloodstock while La Petite Coco was bought by the Wertheimer family. 

Twomey also sold Show Of Stars (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) for 300,000gns to Clarke Bloodstock/Sheralee Estate while Tally-Ho Stud bought Limit Di Greccio (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) for 180,000gns. 

Prosperous Business

The four-year-old Thar She Blows (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) never made it to the racecourse but she has been dealt a significant update this year by her Group 1-winning sister Prosperous Voyage, and with an early cover by No Nay Never, the young descendant of Best In Show provided an early highlight ahead of the second Sceptre Session. 

Sold to Mags O'Toole on behalf of the O'Leary family's Plantation Stud for 400,000gns, Thar She Blows, out of the Juddmonte-bred Mizzen Mast mare Seatone, is also a half-sister to the stakes-placed Romanesque (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) and to the juvenile Tenerife (Ire) (No Nay Never), who is in training with Aidan O'Brien.

Magic Result For Duffy

You would think that with all of the glitz and glamour that went with the Sceptre Session later in the evening, there would be no place for a rags-to-riches story to emerge at Tattersalls but Magic Chegaga fitted that bill when knocked down to Yeomanstown Stud for 185,000gns early in the day. 

Picked up by small-time trainer Brian Duffy for €12,500 out of Dermot Weld's stable at the Goffs February online sale last year, the Moyglare Stud-bred daughter of Teofilo (Ire) climbed through ranks for her new connections in Ireland. 

Magic Chegega was rated just 70 by the time Duffy got his hands on her but she improved 27lbs for the trainer and bagged valuable black-type when second in the Group 3 Snow Fairy S. at the Curragh in August before selling for six figures on Tuesday. 

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