Imperial Aviator sold to Gai Waterhouse

Imperial Aviator became a 270,000gns session-topper when Tattersalls' Horses-in-Training Sale opened in Newmarket yesterday.

Owned in partnership by Qatar Racing, Daniel Hunt and Eileen Markham, three-year-old Imperial Aviator was knocked down to legendary Australian trainer Gai Waterhouse via British bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever, who was joined at the ring by Adrian Bott, Waterhouse's co-trainer. The price equalled that given earlier in the day for the joint-session high, two-year-old Sincil Bank, who was sold to Hong Kong interests.

Imperial Aviator (pictured right) had won twice this year, landing a Leicester maiden and then a valuable Newbury handicap. He ran well when fourth back at that track on Saturday, yet looked in great condition for his sales appearance.

McKeever said: ‚"We had to buy him. If you wanted a stayer he was the outstanding horse. This has been a happy hunting ground for Gai, and it was nice to see Roger Charlton bidding so keenly on the horse.‚"

Imperial Aviator was consigned by Jamie Railton, who said of the colt: ‚"He looked fantastic and was an absolute credit to Roger and his team.‚"

Railton also consigned two other six-figure horses for Qatar Racing the Ralph Beckett-trained three-year-old filly Bellajeu was sold to BBA Ireland for 110,000gns, while Landwade Lad left James Fanshawe's stable bound for California after being knocked down to racehorse owner Tim Cohen for 100,000gns.

Qatar Racing offered seven horses at the sale yesterday, turning over 600,000gns, and there are chances to take more from the Railton consignment before the sale ends on Thursday. The high-class sprinter Pearl Secret (Lot 1042) and very talented handicap sprinter Suzi's Connoisseur (1043) are both selling tomorrow (Wednesday).

Pearl Bloodstock's Pearl Dragon won a Polytrack conditions race at Chantilly yesterday for trainer Mikel Delzangles.

Photograph: www.tattersalls.com