THE announcement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to run the world’s richest horse race next February, together with a valuable undercard, was a spur to many, notably Khalid bin Mishref. The owner, assisted by agent Paul Harley, bought five lots, though one of the sales is not listed on the Tattersalls website, and so bin Mishref is officially credited with four purchases.

Mekong, a son of Frankel, was unsold on Tuesday in the ring, but a private deal was agreed 24 hours later for 400,000gns. The four-year-old won three times for Sir Michael Stoute and owner/breeder Philip Newton.