All eyes were on the colt with the rock star
pedigree as he made his way into the auction ring as Lot 340 at Karaka today
and he didn't disappoint with a virtuoso performance that resulted in one of
the most well known names in world racing securing him for the sale's top price
to date of $600,000.
From the powerful Waikato Stud draft the son (pictured Trish Dunnell) of Fastnet Rock from the full
sister to international sire sensation High Chaparral had generated plenty of
talk in the build-up to the sale.
An opening bid of $200,000 set the tone for a large number of international
suitors and local supremo David Ellis to begin a heated battle in pursuit of
their quarry. When the action was finally concluded it was legendary Australian
trainer Bart Cummings, through his grandson James and Sydney agent Duncan
Ramage, who made the winning bid.
"He is a beautiful colt from a family that has produced 27% stakes winners to
runners and with his outstanding extended pedigree he is an exciting stallion proposition
if he can be successful on the track," said the younger Cummings.
"We've trained a Gr. 1 Australian Guineas winner in Rock Classic from the sire
and if this colt could win a race like that then the sky's the limit for his
future.
"He looks the complete package as he's very athletic with a lovely walk and a
great nature on what we have seen to date."
Cummings was coy on the potential owner of the colt but did admit it was likely
to be several long term supporters of the stable.
"We've bought him for a group who have been with us for a number of years and
enjoyed plenty of success," he said.
"At this stage I think they will probably take the entire ownership although
there may be a small share left for an extra partner." – NZ Racing Desk