Thurs 18th Sept 2003

'Lots' to look forward to

The 2003 sales season started with a real swing last month. The positive mood created in Deauville carried on through Keenland and The Doncaster St Ledger Sale, with both reporting a strong trade where quality horses were purchased with enthusiasm.

These initial indications of a buoyant market bode well for the forthcoming Goffs Orby and Challenge Sales and of course Tattersalls Houghton and October sales.

Shadwell stallions are represented at each of these major auctions. GREEN DESERT's four Houghton hopefuls include an own-brother to French 100 Guineas winner ROSE GYPSY, and a grandaughter of Meon Valley Stud's prolific mare REPROCOLOR. In addition he has two yearlings catalogued at the Goffs Orby sale and no less than thirteen representatives at October part 1.

As a son of DANZIG and the champion two-year-old of his generation, MUJAHID can be expected to sire some early winners. There are some excellent prospects catalogued in Part 1 of the October Sales. Bellewstown Farm Stud's colt out of the French winner PAIN PERDU was MUJAHID's top priced foal last year at 46,000gns. Only fractionally less at 45,000gns was the athletic bay colt out of SKY RED, which will be consigned this time by Goldford Stud. The winning dam is an own sister to listed victor SHOALHAVEN. Whatton Manor Stud consign a half brother to the high class sprinter PATSY'S DOUBLE.

Another nine lots are catalogued at October Part 2, the majority of which are out of winning mares. Prior to the October Sales Mujahid has two yearlings catalogued at Goffs over in Ireland, one of which is a half sister to G1 Phoenix Stakes winner PRINCELY HEIR. The filly is consigned by Rathbarry Stud.

ERHAAB, whose first season in England was 2001, covered a smaller number of mares than MUJAHID but is nonetheless well represented. Two yearlings will sell in Ireland followed by four at October Part 1 and five at October Part 2.

Part 1 candidates include Kirtlington Stud's colt out of INTISAB, a winning sister to G1 Sandown Mile victor GABR. Collin Stud consign another colt, whose dam INDIGO DAWN won five races and is a half-sister to FIGHT YOUR CORNER.

Part 2 sees the return to the sales ring of KHAWATER's colt, who was purchased as a foal by agent Jamie Railton for 15,000gns. This very attractive colt, well stamped by ERHAAB, is from the family of NAYEF, NASHWAN and UNFUWAIN. Other particularly goodlooking individuals include the colt from Old Mill Stud out of FRANCIA and Lodge Farm Stud's colt out of BASSMAAT.

Most of these yearlings have been viewed by Shadwell representatives and the standard is very high. Both stallions are producing sharp, strong, correct individuals.