17 Nov 2021A well-related son of our shuttle stallion Almanzor is heading offshore after he caught the serious attention of multiple Group 1-winning Australian trainer Tony McEvoy on the opening day of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale.
McEvoy and bloodstock agent Bevan Smith joined forces to secure the popular colt for $330,000 from Janine Dunlop’s Phoenix Park draft.
The two-year-old breezed up in 10.68s and is a son of the winning Guillotine mare Tricoteuse with the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes winner Arlingtonboulevard the stand-out performer on the pedigree page.
The first Southern Hemisphere crops of the three-time Group One winner Almanzor have attracted intense sale ring interest across Australasia and McEvoy is now also a member of the fan club.
“I can see why people like them, he was such a good horse and he’s on a good farm and getting every chance. I’m very pleased to be able to get one, that’s for sure,” he said.
McEvoy purchased the colt on behalf of an undisclosed Queensland-based stable client and will wait until he the youngster arrives in his stable before he confirms his future racing program.
“It’s difficult not having seen him in the flesh and the New Zealand Bloodstock and vendor services we get is fabulous,” he said.
“As with any horse though, you’ve got to get up close with them and I’ll get him to Ballarat and then make some calls from there.”
Ohukia Lodge offered the only other Almanzor on the opening day and the filly was knocked down for $80,000 to Wairarapa agent Bruce Perry on behalf of Australian trainer Kris Lees.
She is a daughter of the Zabeel mare Turquoise Coast, who is out of a half-sister to the G1 Rosehill Guineas winner De Beers and the famed Eight Carat family.