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| Staff Writer |
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Kia Joorabchian has strengthened his Amo Racing operation with the headline acquisition of Group Two winner Ghostwriter for £2 million (US$2.7 million) at the Goffs London Sale. The high-profile purchase forms part of a continuing recruitment drive that has seen the ownership group target proven performers across the bloodstock market.
Speaking after completing the transaction, Joorabchian revealed the selection process behind the significant investment. "To be honest, my son picked this horse out a little while ago and he said 'We've got to buy this!'," he told assembled media. "He's third choice for the Hardwicke and I think he's got a chance to go up to Group One level, so we'll see."
The 4YO son of Lope De Vega had been campaigned by Jeff Smith under the care of Clive Cox, though future training arrangements remain under discussion. Joorabchian acknowledged his bloodstock agent Alex Elliott while discussing the purchase, joking that "I haven't got my son, but I've got my adopted son, Alex Elliott! Anyway, he didn't want to buy it so he doesn't have any pressure. This one's on me!"
Ghostwriter established his credentials during a meteoric rise as a juvenile, capturing three successive victories within six weeks. His initial success came at Newmarket's July course before following up with an impressive display in an Ascot novice event. The highlight arrived in the Gr.2 Royal Lodge Stakes , where he secured a length-and-a-quarter victory that marked him as a horse of considerable promise.
Despite being unable to add to his juvenile victories at three and four, the gelding has maintained consistently high-class form against top opposition. Elliott provided context for the acquisition, explaining that "Obviously he was a very good 2YO and a lot of stallion farms were looking to buy him as a stallion prospect. At three he hit the crossbar and at four he came back and had a good start in Dubai."
The bloodstock agent emphasised the strategic nature of the purchase, adding that "If you want to compete in the big races, which is what Kia would like to do, then he was an obvious one to buy and that's why Kia bought him."
John Stewart, principal of Resolute Racing, emerged as another significant buyer, securing Woodshauna for £625,000 (US$848,245). The 3YO son of Wooded had recently captured the Gr.3 Prix Texanita under the guidance of trainer Francis Graffard for Al Shaqab Racing.
Stewart expressed satisfaction with both the purchase price and training arrangements, confirming that "Francis trains the horse; he told me he was going to be in the sale, so I had my eye on him. We've stayed around waiting for him to go through and I thought he'd go a bit higher. I thought he'd go for around £750,000, so I feel like I've got good value there."
The owner attributed the competitive pricing to timing considerations, suggesting that "I think because he didn't have a Royal Ascot target, I got a little value. I'm pretty happy with the price."
The breeding of Ghostwriter provides additional appeal beyond his racing achievements. Bred by Norelands Bloodstock and the Irish National Stud, he represents the second foal from Moorside, a daughter of Champs Elysees who finished second in the Cheshire Oaks during her racing career.
The family connection extends to some of racing's most celebrated bloodlines through Juddmonte breeding. Moorside traces back to Marching West, a Gone West mare who stands as sister to the outstanding sires Zafonic and Zamindar, providing further depth to the pedigree profile.
The London Sale attracted selective participation, with 19 lots selling from 28 offered, achieving a clearance rate of 68 per cent. Total turnover reached £7.72 million (US$10.5 million), representing an eight per cent decrease compared to the previous year's figures.
While the average price declined by 27 per cent to £406,315 (US$551,508), the median price moved in the opposite direction, increasing by 50 per cent to £300,000 (US$407,400). This divergence suggests concentrated activity at the higher end of the market.
Rafale Design, winner of the Gr.3 Prix du Lys , initially appeared to match the £2 million threshold set by Ghostwriter before being retained by Ecurie Yann Barberot. The Starspangledbanner colt had secured his Group Three victory just days before the sale.
Stewart praised the sale concept, noting that "It's interesting being able to buy a horse and then run it at Royal Ascot coming right off this. There's some good horses here who've bought some good money; it's really interesting, and it'd be interesting to see this type of thing happen at other venues around the world."
Joorabchian reflected on his previous experiences at the venue, admitting that "I've been extremely unsuccessful at this sale in the past years but listen, it's a nice sale, a beautiful atmosphere to buy a horse in. This horse is proven and we think he can have a huge future. Fingers crossed we're right and we'll go forward and see how it happens."