Broodmares hold key to all racing dynasties - so Kia Joorabchian’s spending next month will be even more telling

It is clear from Kia Joorabchian’s recent spending spree on yearlings that he wants to challenge the Coolmore-Godolphin hegemony in Britain. The man himself has said as much, but the extent of his ambition will become clearer back at Newmarket next month.

A procession of regally bred broodmares will soon pass through the auction ring at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale. If Joorabchian and his partners yearn to challenge for the best races they will have to open their chequebooks once more. Lessons from the past decree that no outfit can reach the summit unless it breeds its own horses.

Joorabchian recognised this when he noted that four of the five runners in the Dewhurst Stakes – two each for Coolmore and Godolphin – were homebreds. They filled the first three places, which was largely consistent with the 2024 season as a whole. For all the millions spent annually on yearlings, homebred horses consistently take their measure on the racecourse.