2,000,000gns Tattersalls Book 1 sale-topper set to debut for Ballydoyle in fascinating-looking maiden

Our resident bloodstock experts profile the well-bred eyecatchers and expensive purchases set to grace the track.

GALVESTON

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (5.40 Naas, Thursday)

What's the story?

One of the Aidan O’Brien-trained colts in the 7f maiden at Naas on Thursday just happens to have topped Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2023 at 2,000,000gns.

Since named Galveston after the purchase by MV Magnier and White Birch Farm, he takes on 11 other unraced colts, geldings and fillies in a really fascinating contest and most definitely one for pedigree buffs.

How's he bred?

The colt is by reigning British and Irish champion sire Frankel and out of Bizzarria, an Anthony Oppenheimer homebred who won a Newcastle maiden but has yet to strike a home run in the breeding shed from three runners. Dual winner Bizarre Law is her best to date.

Bizzarria is by Lemon Drop Kid and from a great family. She is out of Lynnwood Chase and is therefore a full-sister to Cannock Chase, winner of the 2015 Grade 1 Canadian International. Pisco Sour, the Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam winner, is also a full-sibling.

Bizzarria is also a half-sister to the Classic heroine Star Catcher, by Sea The Stars, a three-time Group 1 winner in total as in addition to the Irish Oaks she also won the Prix Vermeille and British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

What was said at the sales?

The colt was bred and consigned by Oppenheimer’s Hascombe & Valiant Stud, and after seeing off rival bidder including Godolphin, Magnier said: “He’s a very nice horse and in fairness to everyone at Hascombe & Valiant they’ve bred a lot of very good horses in the past.

The Frankel colt out of Bizzarria in the Park Paddocks ring last OctoberCredit: Laura Green

“They’re very good breeders, Frankel is flying at the moment and this is a very well-bred horse. Paul [Shanahan], Aidan [O’Brien] and everyone in the team liked him. He’ll go to Ballydoyle and we’ll hope he’s good.”

Asked what the best-case scenario was for such a significant purchase, Magnier cracked a wry smile and said: “He wins the Dewhurst, the Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger. Seriously though, we’ll just hope he’s a good racehorse for now.”

Asked if he had any regrets about selling such a well-credentialled youngster, the Derby-winning owner-breeder Oppenheimer said: “No, none at all. I didn’t think we’d get quite as much as that, although I knew he was a very nice horse. We’re refuelling the stud’s finances, which can’t do any harm.”

Who does he face?

As mentioned, this looks like a seriously interesting maiden.

Galveston’s stablemate Serious Contender is by Wootton Bassett and out of a Galileo mare who is a sister to the Group 2 winner and Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher and from the family of Henrythenavigator.

The Ger Lyons-trained Washington Street cost €300,000 from the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up Sale in May, while Niarchos homebred Edge Of Seventeen, trained by Jessica Harrington, is a Circus Maxmimus half-sister to Group 1 winner Albigna, who went on to sell for €3,700,000 to MV Magnier at the Goffs November Sale.

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