Blandford buy 14 in France
Blandford Bloodstock were one of the leading buyers at this year’s Deauville Breeding Stock Sale with both Tom Goff and Richard Brown very active through the first couple of sessions.
No fewer than 14 horses were knocked down to the duo, totalling just over 1million euros.
The most expensive was a filly in training, Group 1 Prix Morny third Pontenuovo (see separate story) at 450,000euros.
Blandford signed the docket for two other six-figure purchases – both of them broodmares.
An Anabaa mare called Louis Lover, believed to be in foal to Elusive City following her first covering, realised 110,000 euros.
And Blandford were also the successful bidder for Lot 415, a winning Oasis Dream mare who feteched 125,000 euros.
Among the four foals that they bought was a Pivotal full-brother to an Irish Listed winner. The colt, by one of Europe’s most successful contemporary stallions, looks well bought for 27,000.
The activity in France culminated a busy couple of weeks’ work for Blandford Bloodstock. At Tattersalls December, they were second top buyer at the Foals’ Sale and picked up four at the Yearling auction (see separate stories). In the second week at the Mares’ sale, they signed for eight at a total of 460,000gns.
The major contributor to the overall tally was an unraced Selkirk mare called Bayalika, who cost 210,000gns.
She is currently in foal to Oasis Dream and has already produced three winners, including Vital Equine, successful in the 2006 renewal of the Group 2 Champagne Stakes (staaged at York that season).