| An Australian record price
for a yearling filly has been set during the final session of the Australian Easter
Yearling Sale in Sydney when a superbly bred youngster was knocked down for $1.5 million. The purchase also equalled the overall Australian record for a yearling when
leading international bloodstock buyer Demi O'Byrne placed the final bid.
O'Byrne, best known as the bloodstock buyer for Coolmore's
John Magnier and Michael Tabor, sat back during the early selling when Darley Australia
and the Gooree Pastoral Company locked horns in a spirited bidding duel.
However, when Darley Australia's Oliver Tait, who was bidding
via a mobile telephone, dropped out soon after the price had reached the seven figure mark
the team of Gooree, headed by millionaire Philippean businessman Eduardo Cojuangco.
Just when the filly looked as though she would be racing in
the familiar Gooree Pastoral colours, which raced to victory in Saturday's AJC Derby with
Don Eduardo, the Coolmore team stepped in and with two swift bids they produced a knockout
blow that would have done Evander Holyfield proud.
O'Byrne said he was pleased to be able to purchase a quality
filly with a proven pedigree.
"She's a very good looking filly with a great
pedigree," he said.
The filly is a half sister to the Gai Waterhouse trained pair
of Group One winners - Assertive Lad and Assertive Lass. Whether Waterhouse gets to train
the youngster is yet to be decided.
"We'll make a decision in the next few weeks,"
O'Byrne said. |
