ROYAL RESULT FOR ATHENA COLT
Other key purchases by Shadwell’s Angus Gold included a
180,000gns half-brother to high-class sprinter and sire Acclamation
by Oasis Dream (Lot 259). Gold said: “He’s a fine, big horse and by
a stallion I think will be highly successful. This yearling may
take his time, but I think he’ll be a good sprinter.”
Bred and sold by David Powell’s Catridge Farm Stud, this colt’s
sale was given added interest by a 175,000gns offer from
underbidder Jamie Railton, who said later he had intended breezing
the youngster, an indication of how that style of auction has
developed in recent years.
Barry Hills is thought likely to train the Oasis Dream, who Powell
bred from Ahonoora’s daughter Princess
Athena, a mare whose good efforts on the racecourse included
victory in the Gr.3 Queen Mary Stakes. Powell
bought her for 10,500gns in 1998 when she was carrying Acclamation,
an inspired purchase given subsequent events.
Powell said: “I’m delighted, but this colt was always a lovely
horse. Princess Athena foaled a Pivotal colt this
year, but he arrived in April so we rested her and haven’t made any
decisions about where she’ll go next.”
DREAM RESULTS FOR VENDORS
On a day when high-prices rocked even seasoned observers, yearlings
that fetched six-figures were
commonplace. Among them was an Oasis Dream colt (Lot 226) who made
130,000gns when sold by Ireland’s John Osborne.
He paid 85,000gns for the youngster at Tattersalls’ December Sale,
a bold investment that appeared to pay
off when Bryan Smart, standing alongside longstanding patron Reg
Bond, jousted with BBA Ireland’s Eamon Reilly.
Smart came out on top for the youngster, a product of the Banstead
Manor Stud sire’s first crop, who was
foaled by the Soviet Star mare Delphinus. She has produced two
black-type earners in Glocca Morra, a
four-time winner and Listed-placed, and Saturn, a Listed winner and
Gr.2 placed.
Date:
31 August 2006