Kingman is becoming a kingmaker

KINGMAN was one of the most represented sires at the sale. He had 30 lots sell for an average of 286,633gns. While Galileo sired seven of the 31 lots to bring half million guineas or more, Kingman was close behind with six.

The best of his offerings was another leading lot to attract the attention of both Coolmore and Godolphin, this time the successful bid being offered by M.V. Magnier at 1,100,000gns. It transpired that he was acting for a partnership that includes Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm.

The colt was sold by Corduff Stud, and is the first foal out of the Fastnet Rock Group 2-winning mare Turret Rocks. David Egan said: “He is a magnificent horse, he really is. I am delighted they bought him. I was not sure they were on him, but they stood up and bought him. It is great.

“This horse was all about John Corcoran and he bred the dam with Jim Bolger, and then bought her out in training. John had a vision of what he wanted to do with the horse. He had a plan, and we own the dam with his children Andrew and Roseanne O’Grady Walshe through Farmleigh Bloodstock.

Great start

“John, who unfortunately is not with us, was very involved in the mating. He chose Kingman. It is a great start for the mare. She has got a very nice Too Darn Hot colt at home and we bred her back to Kingman. The bidding took a long time, but it got more enjoyable as it went on.”

Godolphin had better luck when they emerged victorious for Camas Park Stud’s half-brother to the stakes winner and Group 2 placed Bay Of Poets. He cost Anthony Stroud, on behalf of Godolphin, 750,000gns. This was the most expensive of three colts by Kingman bought by Sheikh Mohammed. He was also the final purchase of the week by the sale’s leading buyer, with Godolphin spending 9,375,000gns on 15 lots.