IT is not just in horses that breeding is important. It applies to humans as well. This week saw the first major international sale of yearlings take place online, and the sale-topper was the Aus$1.8 million Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) first foal out of the champion sprinter and Group 1 winner First Seal (Fastnet Rock). Bred by China Horse Club, the colt was purchased by Tom Magnier from the Sledmere Stud draft.

Sledmere Stud is owned and run by the husband and wife team of Royston and Catriona (known as Treen) Murphy. Royston, son of George and Phil, is from Co. Kildare, and is the nephew of Pat and Hugh Hyland of Oghill House Stud. His sister Sinead filled this column in on his background.