Castle Proves a Point

Yorkshire-based trainer John Quinn took that view when attending Tattersalls' Horses-in-Training Sale in October last year, where a draft from Pearl and Qatar Racing was consigned by Jamie Railton. Among them was Pearl Castle, a son of Montjeu and winner over ten furlongs at Sandown Park a couple of months before his date with the auctioneer.

Quinn's 28,000gns offer brought the hammer down, and that is looking a smart investment after Pearl Castle won his second race over hurdles at Doncaster on Wednesday this week.

Two races are now on Pearl Castle's agenda at next month's Cheltenham Festival - the Gr.1 JCB Triumph Hurdle and Gr.3 Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle - although Quinn said he is prepared to wait for Aintree's Grand National meeting in April unless dry weather brings good ground.

Pearl Bloodstock and Qatar Racing Ltd will be offering other horses for sale at public auctions later this year - full details will be posted on this site.