THE sales ring can be an unpredictable place. Anyone who has sold horses has experienced that sinking feeling when you walk into the ring, only to find no familiar faces. First looks, second looks, and vetting don’t guarantee your horse will be followed into the ring.

When I sold Romantic Proposal as a yearling, she had a few buyers interested, but strangely enough, the bloodstock agent who had viewed her six times wasn’t to be seen. He said he “went off her” on the sixth viewing – I’d lose interest in any horse after that many showings myself!