€1.4 million German Derby winner joins Nicky Henderson - and trainer plots Group 1 campaign on the Flat

Nicky Henderson says his new €1.4 million (£1.2m) purchase Palladium has a future over hurdles, but a Flat campaign next summer could also be on the agenda for this year's German Derby winner.

Bought at the sales in France on Saturday, Palladium became potentially the most expensive horse to be sent over jumps when passing the record price set by Regent's Stroll, who returned to Paul Nicholls after fetching £660,000 at the Goffs Summer Sale at Doncaster in July.

Trained in Germany this season by Henk Grewe, the Gleneagles colt was last seen when finishing last of six in the Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne behind the Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel's Romance.

Henderson, who revealed that Palladium had arrived at Seven Barrows in the middle of the night, said there was no firm plan yet for his exciting recruit.

"We're very lucky and privileged to have such a gorgeous colt – he really is an outstanding individual," he said. "He's already won a Group 1 in the German Derby and he has a very stout pedigree. Being such a well-bred horse, he could easily have stallion potential."

He added: "Although he will probably see a hurdle at some stage, we have every intention of continuing on the Flat next season with some high-class races in mind, and he's staying a colt for that reason. He won't run again this autumn.

"His value is the fact he can run in Group 1 races across Europe next summer and Royal Ascot comes to mind. Who knows, he could even be a horse for the Melbourne Cup."

Nicky Henderson: has added more firepower to his squadCredit: Edward Whitaker

Palladium, who was bought for Classic-winning owner Lady Bamford, is a half-brother to Panjari, who also started on the Flat before switching codes and winning three times for Paul Nicholls last season. He represents another high-profile purchase to join Henderson’s Lambourn yard.

Minella Premier, a four-year-old son of Shantou who won his sole point-to-point in Ireland by 12 lengths, was sold for £400,000 at the Goffs UK Spring sales in May before being switched to Seven Barrows. A campaign over hurdles looks likely.

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