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| Staff Writer |
Godolphin left an indelible mark on the opening session of the Tattersalls February Sale, with bloodstock agent Colm Sharkey securing their flagship offering Galashiels for 220,000 guineas (US$288,200).
The talented 6YO son of Australia, formerly trained by Andre Fabre, boasts an impressive record with five victories, including notable listed successes at Clairefontaine and Longchamp.
Standing alongside jockey Jamie Spencer, Sharkey revealed: "He's been bought by Ciaron Maher Racing. He has an obvious profile for Australia, so Ciaron was keen to get him. He vetted fine, his form and his pedigree all stack up. He's self explanatory really. Jamie was involved and it was really Ciaron who picked him out. I'm only a helping hand. He'll get a bit of time now and then he'll be on the flight to Australia. We've had luck buying off Fabre before so that wasn't a deterrent, even if it might've put other people off."
The Stonethorn Stud-bred gelding, out of Glenmayne, a listed-placed half-sister to 2019 Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Millisle, had previously changed hands for 115,000 guineas at the 2020 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2.
While Godolphin dominated proceedings with 36 lots sold for 1,394,500 guineas - representing 56% of turnover - agent Alessandro Marconi emerged as the day's leading purchaser, securing 17 lots for 533,000 guineas.
His acquisitions included Scarlet Princess, a Godolphin-bred daughter of Kingman out of 2008 Gr.1 Prix de l'Opera winner Lady Marian, alongside 2YOs by Expert Eye, Starman, and Ten Sovereigns.
Discussing future plans, Marconi said: "There's a big syndicate in Libya that has been very active and we're happy to be expanding in the Middle East and Europe at the moment. They've experienced some good success already, and that's why they're happy to keep coming back to Tatts to try and get lucky again. You must buy at every level of the market if you want to find the good ones."
The session concluded with robust figures, showing 114 lots sold from 131 offered, achieving an impressive 87% clearance rate. The aggregate reached 2,509,500 guineas (US$3,287,445), marking a 78% increase from the previous year, while the average price rose 56% to 22,013 guineas (US$28,837).