George Moore proved more determined than Coolmore to buy a $1,800,000 Fastnet Rock colt at Riverside on Tuesday that ended as the highest priced horse of the day and of the sale so far.
The Kia Ora Stud-consigned colt is the first foal of Group I Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes winner O'Marilyn, a half-sister to Group IAustralian Derby winner Headturner and Group I Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva.
Moore said the colt is for a new Hong Kong client and cost double what he thought.
"I had $900,000 on the horse but my client was on the phone and said keep going so we've got him."
Pedigree aside, Moore said the colt appealed greatly on type.
"He's exactly the right type of Fastnet Rock," Moore said. "He's not too big and he just flows.
"I think we got the best horse in the sale, he was my pick and I just loved him.
"He caught my eye early on and my client said just go and buy the best horse in the sale.
"He's a star, his x-rays are clean and when you get a Fastnet Rock that glides like that you have to go.
"He'll likely stay here for the time being and then we'll see what happens."
O'Marilyn has a filly to follow by Fastnet Rock and is back in foal again to the champion sire.