ALASTAIR Donald was to the fore on a day when the ongoing Ballymacoll Stud dispersal stole the headlines, and it was bloodstock agent Donald who provided the fireworks on Tuesday. His bid of 340,000gns secured the day’s highlight, the three-time winner Pivoine who was sent up from Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge Stables.

A son of Redoute’s Choice and from the family of Islington and the Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, Pivoine’s future plans were not revealed by Donald, apart from saying: “He will remain in the UK, but could be the sort to have an international campaign. He is a lovely horse, with a good rating and his performances to date look good.”