Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson turned heads as he went to
$750,000 for Lot 58, the Savabeel filly out of outstanding racemare Banchee,
who was presented through the Pencarrow Stud draft. Ferguson outlasted a
phalanx of interested parties as he secured the filly ahead of bloodstock agent
Paul Moroney who was acting on behalf of Sir Owen Glenn.It is the first time that Ferguson has been to New Zealand to source progeny from the local market and he was impressed with the filly right from her first inspection.
"We have well over 200 horses racing in Australia and we are constantly looking to upgrade our potential broodmare band," he explained.
"This filly has an impeccable pedigree and is from a hot young sire so it certainly made sense to try and buy her.
"We had a team look at her and they all said she was a quality individual, a very athletic type who was beautifully prepared so I'm delighted to secure her."
Ferguson indicated the filly would be sent to the Sheikh's Godolphin racing operation in Australia where he would be prepared for her racing career from the John O'Shea stable. While understandably coy about any further potential purchases during the Sale series a knowing grin suggests the filly may have one or two travelling companions when the dust settles at the end of the week. – NZ Racing Desk
