13 Jan 2021 Almanzor’s wave of popularity went to another level this afternoon at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
A colt bred by the Sunlight Trust and offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds had widespread admirers before he was knocked down for AU$800,000 to Ultra Racing.
He is a son of the Sebring mare Lazumba, who won three races and finished runner-up in the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
"You are always realistic about your chances with these yearlings,” the Sunlight Trust’s Murray Hardy said.
“He is the best yearling, we have ever bred. He was just lovely colt from day one, really.
“You look at what the two other Almanzors made to date, and if was a great start and a sign that he's going to come up around that money.
“We have been breeding for a while and you dream of one-day getting that value for one of your horses. It’s a dream come true for us today.”
Almanzor has had three yearlings sell at the Gold Coast for AU$1,520,000 at an average of AU$506,666.
“The colt was a beautiful, athletic type and that’s what everyone wants to see,” Cambridge Stud Chief Executive Officer Henry Plumptre said.
“It is fantastic exposure for Almanzor in Australia before Karaka starts next week,” Plumptre said.
“We can only hope these horses go on and perform to the level these people have paid for them.
“It is very exciting to see the buzz about the stallion and the buyers reacting in such a positive way.
“It is a big nod of approval to Brendan and Jo for going out and buying Almanzor in the first place, it was a bit of a leap of faith at that time.
“Coolmore then buying Wootton Bassett nailed the stallion line.”