Whale had just seen half of the 21-strong draft presented by his Cambridge-based
operation go through the sale ring with some outstanding results that included
two lots that fetched $180,000 each.The first of those was Lot 30, an Excellent Art colt from Encosta de Lago mare La Sillage that was knocked down to the bid of Warwick Farm-based organisation, the Poletti Corporation. The colt had breezed up in a swift 10.49 seconds and was one of a number of the Diamond Lodge draft that had been popular in pre-sale inspections.
"We brought the horses to the complex last Saturday and since then this guy has been one of the most requested to be shown to the buying bench," Whale said.
"His breeze-up was very impressive and the attention he has received since then attests to that. He is a strong coupled colt, who is very compact and looks an early runner."
Whale didn't have to wait long for his next sale highlight with Lot 57, a colt by Exceed And Excel from Gr. 1 Railway Handicap winner Miss Raggedy Ann, also fetching $180,000 from the bid of Gary Hennessy after breezing up in a comfortable 10.94 seconds.
"He was another who was very popular leading up to today as he just has that X factor in everything that he does," he said.
"The sale has been very solid for us so far and I'm delighted for my clients. We weren't sure what to expect, but the enquiries have been very steady since we arrived here and that seems to have translated well in the ring to date."
Diamond Lodge will present a further 11 horses on Day 2 of the sale with a pair of Savabeel colts, Lots 201 and 264 respectively expected to attract plenty of attention from buyers. – NZ Racing Desk.
