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| Staff Writer |
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The final day of the Tattersalls July Sale witnessed continued global interest as Jubilee Walk topped the session with a sale price of 220,000 guineas (US $298,320, 1gn = US $1.356). The Study of Man (IRE) colt, purchased by China Horse Club for a Bahrain campaign, was the highlight, followed closely by Soldier's Empire, who was secured for 180,000 guineas (US $244,060) by Al Mohamediya Racing with plans for a Bahrain-based campaign.
Jubilee Walk, a 3YO colt by Study of Man (IRE), was bought by China Horse Club via online bid, acquiring the horse from former partner Qatar Racing. Consigned by Jamie Railton, the colt had previously been trained by James Ferguson and was offered with an official rating of 97, having won three of his six starts. Out of the Oasis Dream mare Starlit Sands, who boasts victories in the Gr.3 Prix d'Arenberg and a runner-up position in the Gr.2 Queen Mary Stakes , Jubilee Walk is also related to Sandrine, a notable winner of the Gr.2 Lennox Stakes , Gr.2 Park Stakes , and Gr.2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes , with two Gr.1 placings.
Matt Houldsworth, European Manager for China Horse Club, shared:
"He’ll stay with James and we’re going to target Bahrain. We’ll also explore opportunities in Dubai. Bahrain is an emerging market for racing, and we believe this horse fits the profile perfectly as he is on an upward trajectory."
Soldier’s Empire, a 3YO colt by Bated Breath, was acquired by Sheikh Sultan of Al Mohamediya Racing, outbidding Irish bloodstock agent Barry Lynch. Sold by Ballygallon Stud and previously trained by Ger Lyons, the colt won his maiden race at Dundalk last October and has since been placed twice in competitive races at Gowran Park and the Curragh, holding a handicap mark of 90.
Ali Majeed, spokesperson for Al Mohamediya Racing, revealed:
"He will head straight to Bahrain and will not run again in the UK. Trained by Fawzi Nass, he is a serious horse with potential for the Crown Prince Cup or King’s Cup, and we will have numerous options for him when he turns four."
Swindon, a progressive and lightly raced colt from William Haggas’ Somerville Lodge, was added to the sale catalog as a wildcard. After a commanding win at Sandown last week, the 3YO colt by Wootton Bassett was purchased for 175,000 guineas by agent Alessandro Marconi on behalf of the Libyan syndicate Sky Racing, outbidding several notable competitors.
A representative from Sky Racing stated:
"We aim to use this horse in Dubai and potentially bring him back to Europe next season. He might also compete in a major race in Libya at the end of October at the National Shooting and Equestrian Club, which will be a key target. Our goal is to enhance the racing industry in Libya, with promising prizemoney and opportunities for international competitors."
Marconi added:
"We had been persistently trying to acquire horses over the past three days and were pleased to finally succeed. We sought a horse with room for improvement who might handle different conditions, and we hope he will become a flagship performer for our emerging syndicate."
Additionally, Sky Racing secured the 3YO Blue Point colt Gamekeeper from Godolphin for 110,000 guineas.
Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony acknowledged that while this year’s catalog was smaller and less deep compared to the record-breaking sale of 2023, the event continued to attract a diverse and international range of buyers.
"Despite the smaller catalog and lower figures compared to last year, there has been consistent demand across all levels of the market, with a clearance rate exceeding 90% and a record-equaling number of horses selling for 250,000 guineas or more. The blend of top-class racing and quality bloodstock made this a standout week in the European racing and sales calendar."
The three-day sale grossed 13,967,325 guineas (down 18.7% from 2023), with an average of 25,441 guineas (down 13.4%) and a median of 11,000 guineas (down 26.7%). In comparison, last year’s sale achieved a gross of 17,184,300 guineas, an average of 29,375 guineas, and a median of 15,000 guineas.