Blandford celebrates its 10-year anniversary
THIS week marks the 10-year anniversary of Blandford Bloodstock as it was at the Saratoga Yearling sales that the newly-formed agency made its first purchases.
The agency was formed by the late Joss Collins along with Tom Goff, who now owns Blandford Bloodstock with Richard Brown.
Over the years Blandford has established itself as consistently among the top buyers at major sales and they have enjoyed considerable success spread over three continents.
Since 2004 they have selected the winners of 80 stakes races including eight individual Group/Grade 1 winners.
They have enjoyed Classic success with both 2010 St Leger winner Artic Cosmos, a 47,000gns yearling purchase, and Batchelor Duke, winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas, who was picked up for €125,000.
This year’s Darley July Cup winner, Dream Ahead, was bought by Blandford for £36,000 and was the joint-top rated two-year-old of 2010 (with Frankel) following his wins in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes.
Another Middle Park and Prix Morny winner purchased by Blandford was Dutch Art (16,000gns) who is now making a very promising start to his career at stud.
Tante Rose was another sprinter who won at the top level when taking the Sprint Cup at Haydock. The beautifully-bred daughter of Barathea was bought by Blandford for 350,000gns at the Tattersalls December Broodmare Sale.
As well as tasting significant success in Europe, Blandford purchases have also excelled further a field most notably Dancer’s Daughter who was a triple Group 1 winner in South Africa.
Only last month Nereid, bought at Keeneland’s September sale, took the Grade 1 American Oaks adding to Blandford’s impressive record in the US which also includes Ariege, winner of the Santa Anita Oaks.
Reflecting on 10 years with the business, Goff says: “The challenge of breeding, rearing or racing thoroughbred racehorses is incredibly demanding and beset with trials and tribulations.
“So one when is fortunate enough to be involved with a racehorse that wins a Group, Grade or Championship race, the moment is so rewarding that our philosophy is to raise a glass to Lady Luck and savour the moment.”