Last season’s G1 Gran Criterium winner Hearts Of Fire (GB) (Firebreak {GB}–Alexander Ballet {GB}, by Mind Games {GB}) lit up the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale in
Newmarket last night when selling for 550,000gns to Qatari interests (hip 405). Trainer Ibrahim Al-Malki came in with one late decisive bid to secure the three-year-old, who had
attracted the interests of many other buyers. Tattersalls representative Jason Singh, acting for Form Bloodstock of South Africa, was underbidder, with New Zealand trainer and
agent Paul Moroney lasting just shy of 500,000gns.
California-based handler Ben Cecil offered 350,000gns, while Sheikh Mohammed’s former racing manager Anthony Stroud, shopping for the Dubai Carnival, also made a major play for the colt. Al-Malki, who trains in Qatar, was buying for owner Hassan Ali Abdul Malik, although his purchase could resurface in Europe next year. AHe just ticked all the boxes and we thought he was the best horse in the sale,@ said Al-Malki, who was seated with racing manager Conrad Allen and Newmarket-based advisor Armando Duarte while bidding.
“He’ll be based in Qatar and, although he could run at the Dubai Carnival, he’ll be coming back to race in Europe next season.”
Hearts Of Fire was acquired by trainer Pat Eddery for just 13,000 pounds at the 2009 Doncaster August Sale and, after his Gran Criterium exploits, went on to finish third in this year’s G1 St James’ Palace S. He was offered from Eddery’s stable to dissolve his 12-strong ownership syndicate.
