Magnier buys Galileo colt for 2.6m guineas
When Lot 398, a Street Cry colt out of Meeznah, went for a cool million guineas, that took the new figure to five for the week but there were further fireworks to come over Lot 442, a Galileo half-brother to runaway King George winner Harbinger.
After an extremely slow start, when he was even available for the minimum bid of 5,000 guineas, the Ashbrittle Stud-consigned youngster eventually reached an incredible 2.6million guineas when the hammer went down to Coolmore’s John Magnier after a battle with John Warren.
“When the bidding opened at 5,000 guineas, I just wanted the ground to open up,” said Ginny Whales, who led up and had looked after the colt at Ashbrittle.
“When it stuck again at 60,000, I thought the boss was bound to sack me – how could we have got it so wrong! I am just delighted and amazed at the price.”
The colt is reported to be the world’s most expensive yearling sold this year.
John Ferguson, bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed, had made three six-figure signings on Wednesday and he beat Al Shaqab Racing to Lot 398.
“He came to us in July and was always a stunning, straightforward colt, always easy to deal with and always oozed class,” said Charlie Vigors of consigners Hillwood Stud.
“It is easily our biggest sale and it is a fantastic feeling.”
Earlier in the day James Delahooke spent 1.25million on a Galileo three-quarters sister to Derby winner Pour Moi.
