At the end of day one of the Arqana August Yearling Sale it was the name of Phoenix Thoroughbreds sitting beside the listing of the top lot.
During a healthy first day of trading, the Dubai based investment fund parted with €800,000 to secure the son of super sire Galileo. With some regal bloodlines, it was always likely that Lot 23 would see a furious bidding war develop and after plenty of back and forth, it was Dermot Farringdon, Phoenix’s bloodstock representative, who was the last man standing.
The first foal out of multiple Group Three winner and Group One placed mare Steip Amach the colt has a pedigree page full of intrigue. The great Shergar can be located on a branch of the yearling’s family tree while closer relations included Grade Three winner Ceisteach.
Despite the price tag showing as the largest price paid on the day Phoenix Thoroughbreds Vice President Tom Ludt was delighted with the outcome.
“Well, he’s a Galileo so, to be honest – and I know people won’t want to hear this – but we’re quite proud to get him at €800,000,” said Ludt. “To be honest we thought he’d cost more, so we’re very excited.”
That wasn’t the only piece of business on the opening day of trading done by the group set up by Amer Abdulaziz. A full sister to the Martyn Meade trained Technician, who won the Group Three Geoffrey Freer stakes earlier in the day, also joined their ever-expanding ranks. Listed as Lot 51 and, like Phoenix’s earlier purchase, consigned by Haras d’Etreham the filly was captured for €240,000. By Mastercraftsman and out of black-type winning mare Arosa she naturally holds a taking pedigree with Group One winner Recoletos, the stand-out family member.
Later in the day, it was the turn of Phoenix Ladies Syndicate to delve into their pockets to acquire Lot 66. ‘PLS’ Principle Pamela Cordina was on hand to oversee the successful bid on the Zoffany filly. Out of a full-sister to the superstar High Chaparral her pedigree also ties in with other notable performers including Black Bear Island and Hunting Horn.