There was late drama at the opening session of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale on Tuesday as Oliver St Lawrence secured the Kingman half-brother to 2,000 Guineas hero Galileo Gold for 2,700,000gns.
The price is the highest sum given for a yearling in Europe or North America this year.
Book 1 of the eagerly anticipated sale got off to a strong start with the highest priced yearling in Europe or North America this year as four lots sold for 1,000,000 guineas or more.
Leading the way was the KINGMAN half-brother, pictured above, to the 2,000 Guineas winner GALILEO GOLD who was knocked down to Oliver St Lawrence for 2,700,000 guineas.
The colt, who was consigned by Robin Sharp’s Houghton Bloodstock on behalf of Colin Murfitt’s Pantile Stud, was purchased on behalf of Fawzi Nass and Bahraini interests.
Pantile Stud’s stud manager Bo Hicks-Little said: “He has never put a foot wrong. He is a super star, and not just physically, he is so mentally strong too, he is such a professional. He was a late April foal and we had a bad night when he was born as we nearly lost the mare. We had to bottle feed him for 24 hours.”
The Pantile yearlings always go to Houghton for the last eight weeks of their prep and consignor Robin Sharp was thrilled with the sale.
“That is the best price for Houghton – our previous best was 500,000gns last year,” said Sharp. “I am delighted for Colin – he has been a friend and a client for a long time. This is a lovely, lovely colt. He has taken his prep so well and he is so much like Kingman, which is what I think made people take notice of him. He really stood out and is a class-looking horse.
“It is unbelievable, you always approach sales with an amount of trepidation, especially this year. But this is what makes this game – it is like snakes and ladders!”
Oliver St Lawrence, who had been underbidder on the FLECHE D’OR filly a few lots earlier, saw off a determined effort from agent Ross Doyle standing next to MV Magnier.
Following his purchase, he commented: “He has been bought for Fawzi Nass and Bahraini interests. He is a gorgeous horse, he has a stallion’s pedigree and he will go into training with Roger Varian.”
