Lot 438
Trish Dunell
Although the bidding action was strong throughout day two of the National Yearling Sale series it was the last hour that provided all the fireworks as the big boys came out to play.
Central to that action was the powerful China Horse Club who secured Lot 438, a filly by first season sire Power out of Group One placegetter Octapussy for $600,000. This proved to be the leading price for a filly throughout the two days of the premier sale as it eclipsed the $500,000 mark set by a Fastnet Rock filly, Lot 424, barely half an hour earlier.
The athletic filly was presented through the Cambridge Stud draft by her owners Sir Patrick & Lady Justine Hogan and Peter Walker, who had raced her dam.
Co-owner Peter Walker was coy on the filly's potential prior to entering the ring and admitted he was in shock at the end result.
"We knew there had been plenty of interest in her through parades and the like but I just didn't want to get my hopes up too high," he said during the aftermath of the sale.
"Patrick was quite bullish and said we might get more than $300,000 but I was adamant I would be happy with anything over $200,000. It looks like we were both a little off the mark as this has simply blown me away.
"She is from an outstanding family with the proof there on the pedigree page but when they start reaching those sorts of numbers it would take most people's breath away."
The filly was signed for by local agent Michael Wallace who was acting on behalf of the China Horse Club. He was clear in his assessment of the filly and the reasons for her purchase.
"She was simply an outstanding type and a filly that will hopefully play a significant role for her owners both on the racetrack and later in a breeding career.
"We have been building up a terrific portfolio of well bred colts and fillies and this is a very strong addition to that group." – NZ Racing Desk
Central to that action was the powerful China Horse Club who secured Lot 438, a filly by first season sire Power out of Group One placegetter Octapussy for $600,000. This proved to be the leading price for a filly throughout the two days of the premier sale as it eclipsed the $500,000 mark set by a Fastnet Rock filly, Lot 424, barely half an hour earlier.
The athletic filly was presented through the Cambridge Stud draft by her owners Sir Patrick & Lady Justine Hogan and Peter Walker, who had raced her dam.
Co-owner Peter Walker was coy on the filly's potential prior to entering the ring and admitted he was in shock at the end result.
"We knew there had been plenty of interest in her through parades and the like but I just didn't want to get my hopes up too high," he said during the aftermath of the sale.
"Patrick was quite bullish and said we might get more than $300,000 but I was adamant I would be happy with anything over $200,000. It looks like we were both a little off the mark as this has simply blown me away.
"She is from an outstanding family with the proof there on the pedigree page but when they start reaching those sorts of numbers it would take most people's breath away."
The filly was signed for by local agent Michael Wallace who was acting on behalf of the China Horse Club. He was clear in his assessment of the filly and the reasons for her purchase.
"She was simply an outstanding type and a filly that will hopefully play a significant role for her owners both on the racetrack and later in a breeding career.
"We have been building up a terrific portfolio of well bred colts and fillies and this is a very strong addition to that group." – NZ Racing Desk