NEWS
Bernardini colt sells for $1.2-million
Posted: Monday, August 10, 2009 8:41 PM
HIP 34: BERNARDINI COLT
PhotosByZ.com
by Pete Denk
John Ferguson, chief bloodstock agent for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, bought a Bernardini colt out of the stakes-winning Storm Cat mare Storm Beauty for $1.2-million early Monday night at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of selected yearlings.
Sheikh Mohammed, who was standing with Ferguson during the bidding, made his first appearance at the Saratoga sale in several years.
Sheikh Mohammed bred and raced Bernardini, the champion three-year-old male of 2006, and stands him at Darley in Lexington. Bernardini’s first crop is yearlings of 2009.
The colt was bred in Pennsylvania by Brushwood Stable and was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent.
“He’s a lovely horse, a beautiful mover and obviously, the sire was a phenomenal racehorse. We all know that,” Ferguson said. “He’s from such a great family, bred by Brushwood Stable’s Betty Moran, and she’s bred so many champions. He really was one of the horses that fit the bill.”
Eaton’s Reiley McDonald said he had hoped the colt had what it takes to reach seven figures, and he was pleased with the price.
The Bernardini colt is from the family of champions Gold Beauty, Dayjur, and Sky Beauty as well as 2005 Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) winner Pleasant Home. He was the first horse to break the $1-million plateau on the night.
Five hips later, a Bernardini filly out of a half sister to 2007 champion three-year-old Rags to Riches was listed as reserve not attained on final bid of $1.6-million. Ferguson did not bid on the filly out of the winning Storm Cat mare Teeming, also consigned by Eaton Sales, agent.
The filly was a $1,475,000 weanling purchase by Chesapeake Partners at the 2008 Keeneland November breeding stock sale.
Pete Denk is sales editor for Thoroughbred Times
