The all time South Australian sale record for a
thoroughbred was smashed yesterday when Biscay Bird, the dam of last season's champion
three-year-old and recent Group One winner Universal Prince was sold for $825,000.
The winning bid was placed by John Singelton's Strawberry
Hill Stud during the middle stages of the second Lindsay Park Classic Collection Sale at
Angaston.
Bidding for the mare, who was in foal to the champion dual
hemisphere sire Danehill, began at $200,000 and rapidly rose to the record figure.
The underbidder was local bloodstock agent Adrian Hancock.
Singleton said he was thrilled to snare the star lot at the
sale after an attempt to buy Universal Prince recently.
"I didn't really come to the sale today thinking I was
going to buy her," Singleton said.
"But I'm more than pleased to have purchased her as
she was a quality mare and it makes up for not being able to buy Universal Prince last
month," the flamboyant buyer and Magic Millions director added.
Singleton revealed he approached Universal Prince's trainer
Bede Murray to buy the gelding before he left for an international campaign in both Hong
Kong and Singapore.
"I spoke to Bede, but both he and the owner declined
the offer," Singleton recalled.
"I consider Universal Prince is the best horse in
Australia."
When quizzed as to whether there was much more money ready
if required he quipped, "well my limit was $750,000."
Magic Millions Adelaide Manager Rob Monsma said the sale of
the mare at such a high price was a great achievement.
"Back in the early 80s Desirable was sold for
$600,000, but the Biscay Bird result is great," Monsma said.
Adam Sangster, one of Biscay Bird's previous owners, said
he was "very pleased" with the price achieved and wished Singleton the best with
his new purchase.
"She's going to a very good home and will get every
chance to continue her great record," Sangster said. |
