Global racing and breeding giant Godolphin has broken new ground in New Zealand
Global racing and breeding giant Godolphin has broken new ground in New Zealand, buying a yearling at the Karaka Sale in Auckland for the first time.
Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock advisor and Godolphin chief executive John Ferguson paid $750,000 for a Savabeel filly out of Banchee at the first session on Monday.
“We have well over 200 horses racing in Australia and we are constantly looking to upgrade our potential broodmare band,” Ferguson said.
“This filly has an impeccable pedigree and is from a hot young sire so it certainly made sense to try and buy her.
“We had a team look at her and they all said she was a quality individual, a very athletic type who was beautifully prepared so I’m delighted to secure her.”
The filly is expected to be sent to Australia’s Godolphin trainer John O’Shea.
Early on the first day, prominent Sydney owner Alan Bell outlaid $825,000 for a brother to Shamexpress, a colt by O’Reilly from Volkrose.
Bell will race the colt in partnership with the China Horse Club and Newgate Farm.
He also told nzracing.co he was in negotiations with Vinery Stud to stand Group One-placed colt Star Turn when his racing career is over.
