JON Snow topped ThoroughBid’s Autumn Sale at £50,000 and will head to George Baker’s Robin Farm stables in Sussex.

After three hours of bidding on Friday morning, Baker came out on top for the high-class hurdles, chase and flat winner, while the Royal Ascot-winning trainer also went to £26,000 to buy three-year-old Cityscape filly Atlantis Blue, previously in training with David Menuisier.

Baker said: “I’m delighted to pick up a horse who can take us to all the big jumping festivals through the spring and beyond.

“When we started training, we were very much 50/50 in terms of runners under both codes. We have evolved into training more flat horses, but several of our owners are looking to increase their National Hunt interests, so we are looking forward to that.

“I think we might even be able to go straight to Cheltenham with him. Willie [Mullins] tells me he stays really well, and I think he could possibly be one for the Cross Country, and then who knows, maybe Aintree too.

“Then there’s the possibility of going to Tennessee for the Iroquois Steeplechase as well. It’s a place we enjoy going to every year and I’d love to have a runner in it.”

Joe Chambers, racing manager to Susannah and Rich Ricci, previous owners of Jon Snow, said: “We are delighted. We had a price in mind, and we exceeded that.”

Ellie’s Warrior, a half-sister to first time out point-to-point winner Present Soldier, went to Jerry McGrath for £16,000, while a four-year-old Soldier Of Fortune filly went for £16,500 to Donnchadh Doyle. Five of the six stores offered were sold. The sale ended with a 65% clearance rate from the 34 lots offered and total turnover of £202,300.

ThoroughBid’s next sale will take place on Friday, December 16th.

Web: thoroughbid.co.uk