Bloodstock agent Michael Steadman, who was acting for Fownes, went to $380,000
to secure Lot 96, an I Am Invincible colt from the draft of Mark and Shelley
Treweek's Lyndhurst Farm operation. The striking bay colt from Calemore struck
an imposing figure as he circled the auction ring with both Fownes and Steadman
pleased with the final result."He is a lovely colt from a sire that is running hot in Australia, Singapore and at home," said Fownes.
"I have a horse called Victory Marvel back in my stable by the sire and he is a very promising galloper. When I saw the catalogue and video of this guy I was very keen on him and the interest only became stronger once I had inspected him.
"He has a fantastic temperament which plays such a big role in our environment while he is also a lovely, athletic type."
One of the other major factors in the purchase was the involvement of Lyndhurst Farm with Fownes having purchased outstanding dirt track sprinter Gun Pit from the Farm at the 2012 edition of this sale. The Dubawi gelding is currently being prepared for a Dubai campaign following an unsuccessful attempt to race at the recent Breeder's Cup meeting in America.
"We couldn't get to America due to some visa issues for my staff which was very disappointing," explained Fownes.
"We've moved on from that and we're just putting the final pieces together for a tilt at some of the races leading into the Dubai World Cup meeting. I haven't got a final plan at this stage but he is definitely heading over there as there isn't anything for him at home.
"Once we saw this colt was from the Lyndhurst draft it did add some extra weight to our decision to have a go for him. We appreciate the quality horses they offer."
Steadman advised the colt would remain in New Zealand in the immediate future where he will be based at Nigel Tiley's Pukekohe base. Tiley has strong connections to the Fownes family having ridden for Caspar's father Lawrie during a four-year stint in Hong Kong and remains firm friends with Caspar and his family. – NZ Racing Desk
Footnote : The I Am Invincible colt was a successful pinhook for Lyndhurst Farm, who purchased him in Australia for $155,000 at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling SAle from the Goldin Farms draft.
