THE announcement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to run the world’s richest horse race next February, together with a valuable undercard, was a spur to many, notably Khalid bin Mishref. The owner, assisted by agent Paul Harley, bought five lots, though one of the sales is not listed on the Tattersalls website, and so bin Mishref is officially credited with four purchases.

Mekong, a son of Frankel, was unsold on Tuesday in the ring, but a private deal was agreed 24 hours later for 400,000gns. The four-year-old won three times for Sir Michael Stoute and owner/breeder Philip Newton.

The four-year-old Dansili gelding Dramatic Device, from Chris Wall’s yard, cost 220,000gns and is twice a winner this year. He was preceded minutes earlier by the Ed Vaughan-trained three-year-old Rock The Cradle, and he too is twice a winner this year. This son of Ruler Of The World, set to stand in France in 2020, cost 200,000gns.

Khalid bin Mishref has ambitious plans for Rock The Cradle who will be trained by his son. He said: “I hope he will run in the King’s Cup and then go on to the Saudi Cup.”