The impact Group I VRC Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress made during the Premier
Sale at Karaka exceeded all expectations.
Windsor Park Stud weren't lacking confidence in the Group One-winning son of
O'Reilly, but general manager Steve Till said they were still taken aback by
the results.
"He had a sensational sale and I don't think Windsor Park have ever had a
first-season sire average $192,500 and that's off the back of a $15,000 fee.
"That's a tremendous return for all those who have supported the horse and for
the stake holders."
Shamexpress earned freshman stallion honours with a succession of high-priced
youngsters – eight sold for six figure sums with the highlight the $510,000 paid
for Windsor Park's white colt.
He was purchased by the China Horse Club's Michael Wallace with leading
Caulfield trainer Ciaron Maher.
"That was terrific and he was bought by an outstanding judge and so is the
under-bidder David Ellis," Till said.
"To have so many sell for such great prices was fantastic. He's a dominant
sire."
Shamexpress, whose brother realised $825,000 on day one at Karaka for Beltana
Stud, was secured by Windsor Park after a successful racing career under the
guidance of Danny O'Brien.
He won the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap and further emphasised his short-course
prowess with Group One runner-up finishes in the VRC Sprint Classic and the
Lightning Stakes. He was also third in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
"He was a premier sprinter and he's now leaving very good types – he's passing
on all his best attributes and the buying market obviously agrees with that,"
Till said.
"Even at the Gold Coast we sold the filly out of Burlesque for $300,000." – NZ
Racing Desk.