Frankel Colt Tops Second Day of Tattersalls October Book 1 as Strong Trade Continues

The electric trade that was seen on the opening day continued into day two of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. The day was topped by Newsells Park Stud’s FRANKEL colt, who was purchased by M V Magnier and White Birch Farm for 4,000,000 guineas. The strong trade was reflected in further rises in both the average and median.

Newsells Park Stud’s Frankel Colt Makes 4,000,000 Guineas

A packed sale ring welcomed Newsells Park Stud’s FRANKEL colt, who realised 4,000,000 guineas to M V Magnier, signing the docket in partnership with Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm. 

The colt is out of the Stakes-placed SHAMARDAL mare SHAMBOLIC, making him an own brother to YLANG YLANG, winner of the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile, as well as a half-brother to ACT OF KINDNESS, who finished third in this year’s Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes. 

The colt was bred in partnership by Newsells Park Stud and Merry Fox Stud. Newsells’ owner Graham Smith-Bernal enthused: “When your stud manager describes the colt as the finest horse he’s ever produced, and you have the Juddmonte team saying he is the spitting image of Frankel, it is a great feeling.”

“For me, it was his temperament that was so special”, Smith-Bernal continued. “He has always been a horse more interested in interacting with humans rather than other horses. You could see he wanted to know what you’re all about.”

To the successful bidders he commented: “I wish Coolmore all the best. Of course they have already done well with the family through Ylang Ylang. In my book, this colt is a couple of notches up from her.”

Merry Fox Stud’s Craig Bennett added: “There is real pride in earning the respect of the industry through what you produce. I’m over the moon.” Of the mare he updated: “Shambolic is in foal to Frankel and does not have a foal at foot.”

Successful purchaser Magnier remarked: “He’s a lovely horse and Newsells do a great job. They’ve bred a lot of good horses, including his sister, who we bought here a few years ago. She was a very good filly and is in foal to Justify. Aidan and Dad were here the other day, and they both liked him a lot.”

Lot 276: Night Of Thunder (IRE) / Sweety Dream (FR)

Ace Stud Add Night Of Thunder Colt to Their Purchases

New England Stud’s NIGHT OF THUNDER colt was bought by Ace Stud for 1,600,000 guineas. The colt is out of the DREAM AHEAD mare SWEETY DREAM, winner of the Group 3 Prix Miesque. She is the dam of the Group 3 Prix Imprudence winner ROMANTIC STYLE, as well as black type winners TOWN AND COUNTRY and ARE WE DREAMING.

“He was the standout for us all week”, said Ace Stud’s Paul Curran. “We were in the market to buy a nice one by the sire. He is from a good farm, and we simply liked everything about him. “

“There is a premium on the Night Of Thunders”, Curran continued when asked about the price of the colt. “Those that are here at Book 1 are the best-bred horses in Europe. The price was around what we thought we’d have to spend.”

Of the colt’s future plans he revealed: “He will go to Andrew Balding, who has had great success for us with Night Of Thunder. Obviously, he had Gewan, who won the Dewhurst for the team this time last year. We hope we will have a nice one again with Andrew, and this colt could be it.”

Marlhill House Stud’s Justify Colt Makes 1,600,000 Guineas 

Marlhill House Stud sold their second seven figure lot ever at Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale when their JUSTIFY colt out of the GALILEO mare STARS AT NIGHT commanded 1,600,000 guineas from M V Magnier and White Birch Farm. 

The colt is a half-brother to POKER FACE, a dual Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed, as well as the American Stakes winning STAR DEVINE. The family traces back to BLUE BUNTING, a triple Group 1 winner including Classic victories in the 1000 Guineas and the Irish Oaks.

Reflecting on expectations in the lead up to the sale, stud manager Brian McConnon explained: “Based on the people who were looking at this colt, we were hopeful of a good price. We got more of an idea that he was going down well when we heard people talking about him around the sales complex.”

“We had three exceptional Justify colts to sell this year and knew we had to split them up, thankfully the plan worked out and this one is the icing on the cake,”,” McConnon continued. “I just want to thank M V Magnier.”

Godolphin Strike for Another Night Of Thunder Colt

Hascombe & Valiant Stud’s NIGHT OF THUNDER colt was purchased by Godolphin for 1,500,000 guineas. The colt is out of the Listed placed PURPLE RIBBON, a daughter of CRIMSON RIBBON who is the dam of COURAGE MON AMI, winner of the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup and Champion Older Stayer.

“He has always been a straightforward colt, and we’ve always thought he was a bit special”, explained Hascombe & Valiant’s stud groom James Frank. “She’s a very young mare so it is a great result for her. The boss is starting to plan the matings, and I think she will be entitled to a good stallion!”

Offering an insight into the colt’s journey to the sale ring, he elaborated: “The mare has a great temperament, and this colt was the easiest to do in the yard. The boys loved him and I remember the first day we put him on the lunge, we thought wow, he is going to be something!”

Frank also paid tribute to the rest of the team at home: “We are a small team, there are only seven of us, and everyone chips in. Everyone has done something to that horse for it to be here today. We are all very proud.”

Lot 277: Frankel (GB) / Swirral Edge (GB)

Redpender Stud’s Frankel Filly Bought For a New Partnership

Bred by Redpender Stud, the FRANKEL filly out of SWIRRAL EDGE was bought for 1,500,000 guineas when knocked down to Paddy Twomey Racing, Jason Kelly Bloodstock and Bond Thoroughbreds. 

The filly is a half-sister to MILL STREAM, winner of the Group 1 July Cup and currently standing at Yeomanstown Stud, as well as the Group 2 Richmond Stakes winner ASYMMETRIC and the 2026 Listed Prix Yacowlef winner CROWNBREAKER, all of which were bred by Redpender Stud.

“She’s an exciting acquisition,” said Paddy Twomey. “Obviously she’s by Frankel and the mare has bred very fast horses. She’s just the type, if you were lucky enough, to become a foundation mare. She’s for a new partnership of existing owners.”

Adding to the number of consignors achieving their first seven figure result at this sale, Redpender Stud’s owners, the Murphy family, also reached the milestone for the first time.

Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale continues at 11am on Thursday, 8th October.