Amongst the familiar faces at Karaka during the
selling action on Thursday was the familiar face of legendary UK trainer Luca
Cumani.
Cumani and wife Sara have been in Australia visiting daughter Francesca as well
as son Matt who is about to take up a position as stable foreman for leading
trainer Chris Waller. They had heard that New Zealand Bloodstock's sales
complex at Karaka was one of the finest in the world so decided to spend a week
on holiday here to take in the local attractions and make a special visit to
the site.
They weren't disappointed and, as is typical with anyone who has racing in
their blood, the intoxicating atmosphere of the sale worked its magic as they
were enticed into making their own purchase towards the end of the days selling
action.
Consigned by Little Avondale Stud, Lot 840 is a bay filly by Road To Rock from
Baradevi who was knocked down to the final bid of bloodstock agent Phill
Cataldo and Cumani for $60,000.
Cataldo had been approached by OTI Racing's Terry Henderson about making a list
for the Cumani's to inspect and struck gold with the filly that features a
connection to Brocade in her extended pedigree. The Habitat mare is the dam of
Breeders' Cup Mile and Irish Two Thousand Guineas winner Barathea as well as
Irish One Thousand Guineas winner Gossamer who were both trained by Cumani.
While Luca had his name on the sale docket it was wife Sara who was the driving
force behind the purchase.
"We really came across to New Zealand to spend some vacation time and visit
Karaka as we had heard so many wonderful reports about the complex," she said.
"Those reports were right as it's a fantastic facility and we've thoroughly
enjoyed being here.
"Of course while we were here we were given a list of about six yearlings to
look at and immediately we were drawn to the Road To Rock filly given the
connection with Barathea.
"It is a little difficult for us to assess your yearlings given they are far
more developed at this stage. I liken it to trying to buy a yearling at home in
May as opposed to when we actually do in October however we liked the look of
this filly and managed to secure her with the help of Phill."
Local Cambridge trainer Roger James has been entrusted with developing the
racing career of the filly who may make her way back to the Cumani's Fittocks
Stud property in Newmarket at some stage in the future. – NZ Racing Desk