Marsha sets the ring alight as she sells for record six million guineas

Dual Group 1-winning sprinter Marsha caused fireworks at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale on Tuesday when smashing the European record for a broodmare when selling to MV Magnier for six million guineas.

The daughter of Acclamation, offered by Sir Mark Prescott's Heath House Stables, walked into a packed auditorium in Newmarket and it wasn't long before auctioneer Simon Kerins was taking bids from a million upwards.

As the price climbed ever higher it was John Gosden, on behalf of Godolphin, and Coolmore's MV Magnier who fought it out, much like they had at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale when going toe to toe for the Galileo filly out of Dank.

Gosden came out on top on that occasion at four million guineas but this time, after a lengthy bidding duel, it was Magnier's bid that secured Marsha.

Magnier, who confirmed that the Nunthorpe Stakes winner will be retired, said: "Sir Mark did a wonderful job with her and if we can do half as good, we'll be okay. She has a lovely presence about her, she's something very special."

Prescott added: "She's gone to a wonderful home. She never turned a hair here. Some horses make it difficult for you but she made it very easy. She was a very consistent sprinter - I don't think she was the best sprinter - but she was consistent. I thought she looked a million dollars but that's her - she's just looked better and better throughout the year."

It was at the 2013 edition of this sale that the previous European record for a broodmare had been set when Immortal Verse, herself a dual Group 1 heroine, went the way of BBA Ireland for 4.7 million guineas.

TOP FIVE FILLIES/MARES SOLD AT TATTERSALLS

MARSHA
6m gns
13 f Acclamation - Marlinka (Marju)
Tattersalls December Mares Sale 2017
Heath House Stables to MV Magnier

IMMORTAL VERSE
4.7m gns
08 m Pivotal - Side Of Paradise (Sadler's Wells)
Tattersalls December Mares Sale 2013
Mount Coote Stud to BBA Ireland

MAGICAL ROMANCE
4.6m gns
02 m Barathea - Shouk (Shirley Heights)
Tattersalls December Mares Sale 2006
Elms Stud to London Thoroughbred Services

JUST THE JUDGE
4.5m gns
10 f Lawman - Faraday Light (Rainbow Quest)
Tattersalls December Mares Sale 2014
Tweenhills Farm & Stud to Qatar Racing & China Horse Club

DANCING RAIN
4m gns
08 m Danehill Dancer - Rain Flower (Indian Ridge)
Tattersalls December Mares Sale 2013
Clairemont Stud to John Ferguson Bloodstock

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