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| Staff Writer |
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In a high-stakes bidding duel at Kildare Paddocks, Godolphin emerged victorious after securing a full-brother to Gr.1 Prix Vermeille winner Teona for €1 million (US$1,070,000) at the Goffs November Foal Sale. The Sea The Stars colt, consigned through Baroda Stud, sparked an intense rivalry between racing powerhouses as Juddmonte's team fought gallantly for the prized lot.
The colt's pedigree sparkles with black type, being out of Ambivalent, the 2013 Gr.1 Pretty Polly Stakes heroine. His siblings include 2019 Gr.2 Prix Hocquart victor Al Hilalee and Group Three-placed Imperial Quarter. Previous winners of the Prix Vermeille include legendary fillies such as Treve and Zarkava, who both went on to claim Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe glory.
"What an opportunity," declared auctioneer Andrew Nolan as the bidding intensified. Juddmonte's general manager Simon Mockridge initiated proceedings at €850,000 (US$909,500), met swiftly by Anthony Stroud's subtle nod raising the stakes by €50,000 (US$53,500). After a crucial phone consultation, Mockridge pushed to €950,000 (US$1,016,500), but Stroud's decisive counter secured the prize for Sheikh Mohammed's operation.
Speaking post-sale, Stroud remarked: "He's a beautiful horse and he's out of a Group One winner. He's by Sea The Stars, who speaks for himself, and he's a full brother to a Group One winner. Obviously, we thought he was very nice; he moves very well, has a good body. He's just an extremely nice horse and we're very pleased to have him. Juddmonte were very strong opposition, as they always are."
The session-topping colt, bred by Yulong Investments' Yuesheng Zhang under Rifa Mustang Europe, emerged from a dam purchased for €925,000 (US$989,750) at last year's Goffs November Mares Sale. Baroda Stud's David Cox reflected: "When I saw who was vetting him I thought we could get there. When one team were looking at him yesterday, I saw they were looking up what the top-priced foals at Goffs were, so I thought we could be getting into that bracket!"
The day's trading reached unprecedented heights, with turnover hitting €18,246,500 (US$19,523,755), marking a 47% increase year-on-year. The average price soared 61% to €115,485 (US$123,569), while the median climbed 64% to €82,000 (US$87,740). An impressive 88% clearance rate saw 158 lots finding new homes from 180 offered.
The November Foal Sale continues 21 November.