Australasian record smashed at Newmarket…

Source: Nathan Exelby, AAP Racing and Sports – 29/6/08

A new benchmark for thoroughbreds sold at auction in Australia was set in Sydney today when regally-related Danehill mare Milanova sold to Coolmore Australia for $5million.

She was sold as part of the Tyreel Reduction Sale, in foal to Coolmore's Champion Sire Encosta De Lago.

After a sustained period of bidding, where a number of Australia's most prominent thoroughbred operations were actively seeking the mare, it was Colm Santry Bloodstock that signed for the mare on behalf of Coolmore Australia.

It smashes the previous record, which was set at this same complex in 2007, when Anabaa mare Virage De Fortune sold to Darley at the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale for $3.4million.

Earlier in the sale, Coolmore secured Milanova's More Than Ready weanling filly for $625,000.

Milanova is a Group 3 and Listed winning daughter of Danehill from the Secretariat mare L'On Vite, who in turn is from the wonderful Northern Dancer producer Fanfreluche.

L'On Vite is also the dam of Coolmore's dual Group 1 winning two-year-old Holy Roman Emperor (Danehill), who returns to Australia for his second southern hemisphere season at stud this year.

Coolmore Australia General Manager Michael Kirwan was not surprised that the mare fetched such a price, but was thrilled to have secured her.

“Who knows what kind of money you're going to have to pay for these types of horses?” he said.

“They are blue hens and rarely become available.

“Genuine good horses like her that come on the market always attract genuine money.

“She's got a world class pedigree and Coolmore has enjoyed a lot of success with the family, with not only Holy Roman Emperor, but Encosta De Lago, who will be Champion Sire this year.”

Kirwan also indicated that Milanova was likely to be covered by a high profile newcomer to the Coolmore roster in 2008.

“It has been discussed today that Haradasun is on the short list of sires for her to visit this season.”

Milanova in her racing days Photo by Racing and Sports

Milanova was one of five million dollar lots sold as part of the William Inglis Australian Breeding Stock Sale today.

Tyreel also sold the Snippets mare Valourina (in foal to Redoute's Choice) to Neil Bowden Global Bloodstock for $1.6million.

The second highest price of the day was $2million for Danehill mare Lucida to Freyer Bloodstock for $2million.

Lucida was sold as part of Sue Suduk's Risdon Dispersal, being offered by Philippa Duncan Bloodstock.

Lucida's dam Peruzzi (Zabeel) was another mare to top six figures today, selling to Inglis as agent for $1,250,000.

Another daughter of Peruzzi, Fiammarosa, in foal to Fusaichi Pegasus, sold to Colm Santry Bloodstock for $950,000.

Risdon in fact sold three million dollar lots, with Group 1 winner and Group 1 producer Shindig (by Straight Strike), dam of this season's CF Orr Stakes winner Shinzig, selling for $1.6million (in foal to Exceed and Excel).

Other highlights from the Risdon Dispersal included Woodman mare Schiaparelli for $700,000 and the Fairy King mare Gwendolyn (in foal to Flying Spur), who was snapped up by Blue Sky Thoroughbreds for $600,000.