Among the vibrant trade at this week’s Goffs Arkle Sale in Ireland, there was strong demand for the offspring of Golden Horn.
Ten three-year-old stores by the stallion were offered, with all ten finding a new home at an average price of €88,700 – some way above the average for Part 1 of the sale, which was €65,098.
Among the top ten lots of the sale was Juliet Minton’s Golden Horn gelding out of the Listed-winning chaser Casablanca Mix (Shirocco), who will join Tom Lacey’s team in Gloucestershire after being sold for €200,000.
Dan Astbury and Martin Gowing went to €105,000 in their pursuit of the Golden Horn gelding from Kilmoney Cottage Stud out of the bumper and hurdles winner Definitelyanoscar (Oscar). The mare has already produced Top Of Off, a point-to-point winner by Jack Hobbs.
The team at Highflyer Bloodstock signed for a trio of Golden Horn three-year-olds, one of which was on behalf of Nicky Henderson, while Monbeg Stables, Ross Doyle and Gaynestown Stud, Noel Fehily and Dave Crosse, and Rob James were also on the buyers’ sheet.
Golden Horn is of course very much a man for all seasons, and over on the level he will be represented by some classy runners at Royal Ascot next week.
While a small setback has meant that Trawlerman is unlikely to be defending his crown in the Gold Cup this year, the Golden Horn squad set to descend on Berkshire includes Santorini Star, Bosphorous Rose and Paddy The Squire among the entries released so far.
