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| Staff Writer |
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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum spearheaded a Godolphin buying bonanza on Day Two of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, with the Dubai-based operation securing the four priciest lots for a combined US$15.1 million in a remarkable display of purchasing power at the prestigious Newmarket venue.
The highlight came when Godolphin outbid Persian Gulf-based owner Kia Joorabchian of Amo Racing in a thrilling duel for a sister to dual Group One-winning miler Charyn. The Dark Angel filly, consigned by Grangemore Stud, commanded an impressive US$3.97 million after a theatrical bidding exchange that had the packed sales ring captivated.
Irish breeder Guy O'Callaghan purchased the dam Futoon for just US$137,000 in 2017. The mare has since produced Gr.2 Mill Reef Stakes winner Wings Of War and Charyn, who was bought by Kazakh businessman Nurlan Bizakov's Sumbe operation for US$342,500 at Book 2 in 2021. A yearling sister, Shinara, was secured by the same connection last year for US$1.16 million and is currently in training with Roger Varian.
Charyn has excelled this season for Varian, landing the Gr.1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Gr.1 Prix Jacques le Marois. His four-year-old campaign also includes victories in the Gr.2 Bet365 Mile and Listed Doncaster Mile Stakes. Notable previous Queen Anne winners include the mighty Frankel, Goldikova, and Canford Cliffs.
The theatre of the sale saw Joorabchian standing with his back to auctioneer Edmond Mahony, turning only to signal his bids with a sharp nod. Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed and his team stationed themselves by the parade ring, relaying their increases through bid spotter Shirley Anderson-Jolag. The compelling back-and-forth pushed the price to unprecedented levels before Godolphin's final bid of US$3.97 million secured the prized filly.
Anthony Stroud, signing on Godolphin's behalf, said: "Her pedigree speaks for itself and she was a very nice individual. The brother has done fantastically well this year. It was probably more than we anticipated but there seems to be a premium on these fillies, and she was a filly that we all liked a lot."
Further showcasing Middle Eastern influence, Yulong's Vin Cox secured a Dubawi colt out of Gr.1 Prix de Royallieu winner Loving Dream for US$1.5 million online. Cox, formerly of Godolphin Australia, commented on the remarkable market strength: "It's absolutely staggering. They're phenomenal numbers, it's put a spring in everyone's step."
Amo Racing partnered with Al Shaqab Racing, owned by Qatar's Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, to secure several lots including an US$1.1 million Sea The Stars colt. Bloodstock agent Alex Elliott revealed a third partner, Anthony Ramsden's Valmont, would join the ownership of the colt destined for trainer Ralph Beckett.
The colt, a sibling to four winners including Shadwell's prolific Group Three scorer Al Aasy, represents a new approach to high-value purchases. Elliott explained: "It suits everybody with these big-money colts, and it's something you see happen a lot more in the States. If you buy enough of them hopefully one hits and he pays for the lot."
Day Two statistics showed remarkable strength, with turnover rising 13% year-on-year to US$55.3 million despite fewer lots sold. The average price jumped 30% to US$472,862, with the median improving 23% to US$328,800. An impressive 89% clearance rate saw 117 yearlings finding new homes from 131 offered.
Breeder O'Callaghan reflected on his remarkable success: "The mare has another very good foal on the ground by Dark Angel and she's back in foal to Blue Point. She's the mare of a lifetime. When Charyn won the Group One, I knew I was sitting on some hot property."
Looking ahead, Sumbe announced that Charyn would have two more races before retiring to their French stallion roster. O'Callaghan confirmed his intention to breed to the champion miler-elect next covering season, adding another chapter to this remarkable bloodstock story.
The final session of Book 1 concludes on Thursday, with further fierce competition expected between racing's global elite. The strong presence of Middle Eastern buyers, particularly from the UAE, Qatar, and Kazakhstan, continues to shape the market and drive prices to new heights at this premier bloodstock sale.