Havana Gold yearling strikes gold

A colt from the first crop of Qatar Bloodstock stallion Havana Gold made a big impression at Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale yesterday when selling for £160,000.

Bought by the two-day event's leading buyer, Angus Gold of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Estates, the yearling (pictured below) was consigned by Paul Thorman of Trickledown Stud, who said: ‚"He was as good as I've sold,‚" while Gold added: ‚"I thought he was one of the best of the day. You go with what you see, and he had a fantastic head on him. He looked like he had something a bit special.‚"

The seven Havana Gold yearlings offered at the Premier Sale sold for an average of £49,571, well above his £8,500 covering fee.

Qatar Bloodstock stallion Harbour Watch, who stands alongside Havana Gold at Tweenhills in Gloucestershire, was represented by yearlings from his second crop. The eight on offer traded for an average of £40,875, headed by a colt from Bearstone Stud who was knocked down to Kevin Ross Bloodstock for £85,000. Harbour Watch, the sire of this year's Gr.2 Prix Robert Papin winner Tis Marvellous, has stood at a fee of £7,500.

Qatar Racing's Classic-placed filly Now Or Never is expected to return to action today in the Gr.3 Coolmore Stud Fairy Bridge Stakes (17.40) at Tipperary unless the ground is riding too heavy. Trainer Michael O'Callaghan planned to walk the course before making a final decision.

Now Or Never won the 1,000 Guineas Trial in the spring, was then third in the Gr.1 Irish 1,000 Guineas and fourth in Royal Ascot's Gr.1 Coronation Stakes.

She was only beaten two and a half lengths on the last-named occasion, and O'Callaghan says: ‚"She is in great form and has thrived for her mid-season break. This will be a prep run for the [Gr.1] Matron Stakes.‚"

Colin Keane rides the filly, who faces four useful opponents.