Sheikh Mohammed in spending spree

Sheikh Mohammed dominated the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale, buying the day’s highest-priced colt and filly.

After spending more than £20m (€29.3m) at Keeneland September last year, he paid £3.1m (€4.55m) for the day’s highest-priced colt, a son of A.P. Indy, and £1.7m (€2.5m) for the top filly, by Storm Cat.

They were purchased on his behalf in Lexington by his principal agent, John Ferguson.

He told www.thoroughbredtimes.com: “The colt’s a horse that seems to have everything. He’s by a great sire, the mare’s top class, and she’s out of a Breeders’ Cup winner.

“He’s one of the best physicals in the sale, and he’s bred by one of the best breeders in the country. When you’re trying to buy the very best, he has to be on your short list.

“Sheikh Mohammed thought he was a fantastic individual and was very keen to buy him.”

Ferguson outbid agent Buzz Chace, acting for Aaron and Marie Jones, for the second foal of Sahara Gold, by Seeking the Gold, winner of the 2000 Grade Two Beaumont Stakes and out of 1995 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Desert Stormer.

The colt was consigned by Lane’s End as agent for Stonerside Stable.

“You never expect to get £3m (€4.4m),” said Bill Farish, director of sales for Lane’s End.

“Once you get over £1m (€1.5m), you’re very happy, but he was an exceptional colt. He was on a lot of people’s short lists for obvious reasons. I hope he runs for them.”

Lane’s End were also responsible for the top filly, a full sister to one stakes winner and a half sister to two stakes winners, including 1999 Norfolk Stakes winner Warm Heart, out of Warm Mood, by Alydar.

Warm Heart carried the colours of Sheikh Mohammed and was trained by John Gosden

“She’s one of the outstanding fillies we’ve ever seen,” said Ferguson.