Coolmore pays record €4.6 Million for Wootton Bassett colt

Coolmore has delivered a spectacular late statement at the Arqana August Yearling Sale, paying a record-breaking €4.6 million (AU$7.5 million) for a colt by the late Wootton Bassett.

The landmark purchase set a new record for the highest-priced yearling ever sold in France, surpassing the previous benchmark of €3 million established at the same sale 12 months ago.

Three days of intense competition between some of the world’s biggest bloodstock operations culminated with Coolmore’s MV Magnier and Godolphin’s Anthony Stroud again competing for one of the sale’s most coveted lots.

When Lot 306 entered the ring, Coolmore ultimately prevailed at €4.6 million to secure the colt from leading French breeder and consignor Ecurie des Monceaux.

The result comfortably eclipsed the previous French yearling record, which was set when Ecurie des Monceaux sold a Night Of Thunder filly for €3 million last year.

The record-breaking colt is from one of the most sought-after pedigrees in the catalogue as the first foal out of Deadly Nightshade.

Deadly Nightshade is a sister to reigning staying star Scandinavia, whose recent Group 1 victories in the Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup have further strengthened the family.

The purchase also provides Coolmore with another prized son of Wootton Bassett following the stallion’s death, with his progeny continuing to command extraordinary demand at the world’s leading yearling sales.