Catrine and Tiara sold at December Sale
Two excellent performers for Qatar Racing Queen Catrine and Opal Tiara were sold at Tattersalls' December Sale last night.
A breeding career beckons for Queen Catrine (pictured right), a Group Three-winning, five-year-old daughter of Acclamation, who was knocked down for 500,000gns to Japan's Haruya Yoshida through agent Taro Iseki. He said: ‚"We liked her size and her speed and there are two champions on her page. We'll try and get her to Deep Impact.‚"
Opal Tiara, who has been such a stalwart for Mick Channon's stable, and who also won at Group Three level this year, was bought by her trainer for 230,000gns.
Yesterday's second session of the December Mares Sale is traditionally its strongest, and was headed by the sale of Hazariya, the dam of this year's dual Derby winner Harzand. Sheikh Fahad was present at the ring and made a strong attempt to add Hazariya to Qatar Bloodstock's broodmare band, but she was eventually knocked down to Coolmore Stud for 2,000,000gns and will be mated with Galileo.
The December Sale continues today, and broodmare owners and their representatives who are in Newmarket have a final opportunity to view three Qatar Bloodstock stallions that are staying locally. Havana Gold, Hot Streak and Dunaden can be seen at Longholes Stud.
Breeders who have taken out a nomination to any of the above sires, plus Charm Spirit and Harbour Watch, will be entered into a Golden Ticket draw taking place in the Tweenhills' tepee at the sales complex this evening. The first ticket drawn will give the holder their chosen nomination for free, while the second and third will get a 50% reduction contact Tweenhills (0044 ((0)) 1452 700177) for more information.
The December Sale continues today and tomorrow, and there are further opportunities to buy fillies in training and broodmares from the consignments of Tweenhills and Jamie Railton.
Railton's draft includes Get Up And Dance (Lot 2094), who won a maiden at Pontefract, while unraced three-year-old Chase The Light (Lot 2038) comes from the famous Time Charter family. Crimson Lake (Lot 2339) ran a fine race when third of ten at Salisbury last month, Blitz (Lot 2147), won at Dundalk earlier this month, and Lady Cleo (2148) has gone close to losing her maiden tag on several occasions.
Mares in foal include Ittasal (Lot 2037), who carries to Harbour Watch and has three foals waiting to hit the racecourse, and Ultimate Best (Lot 2093), who is carrying to Harbour Watch.
Qatar Racing's Mr Owen heads to Deauville today where he will tackle the Listed Prix Lyphard. One of 13 runners, the Francois Rohaut-trained four-year-old steps up in trip to 1,900m for today's test, in which he will be ridden by Olivier Peslier.
Photo: www.tattersalls.com