Phoenix Thoroughbreds throws its weight behind Aclaim with mare in foal buy

When Phoenix Thoroughbreds purchased a 50 per cent stake in the National Stud newcomer Aclaim last November, the high-rolling operation pledged to throw its considerable weight behind the Group 1-winning son of Acclamation.

And during Wednesday's session of the July Sale the rising force made good on its promise when purchasing Ulfah Dream, the very first mare to be offered in foal to Aclaim, for 80,000gns from the draft of Hazelwood Bloodstock.

"The minute Phoenix saw there were mares in foal to Aclaim in the catalogue they wanted to show their support - they've always made their intentions on that front very clear," said Dermot Farrington, who signed the docket on behalf of Phoenix.

"We looked at the three mares here in foal to him and they're all nice mares, but they took a particular shine to Ulfah Dream. Physically she suits Aclaim and there's a bit of speed in the family and she's by a good sire herself."

Ulfah Dream, a five-year-old daughter of Oasis Dream, is out of Ulfah, a sister to Haatef and Walayef.

"We'll foal her down and then decide whether she'll go back to Aclaim or not and I think the intentions will be to race the foal, all being well," continued Farrington. "It's their first stallion so they want to give him as much support as possible."

Farrington's involvement with Aclaim runs far beyond signing for mares carrying to the stallion, having also bred and part-owned the high-achieving five-year-old.

He also gave an update on the horse's burgeoning stud career.

"He's got 135 mares in foal so he was a busy horse, but I thought he'd be well received," he said. "I'm very happy with the quality of mares he received. It's all well having lots of soldiers on the ground but you need pedigree behind them and he's certainly got that."

Aclaim - winner of the Group 1 Prix de la Foret and the Group 2 Park Stakes, and from the family of Classic winners Montjeu and Galileo Gold - stood his debut season in Newmarket at a fee of £12,500.

View Nancy Sexton's live July Saleblog here

Download the Racing Post Bloodstock's July Sale data packagehere