Swettenham Stud shuttler Equiano began the Tattersalls October Sale with a bang when his first yearling to parade made 140,000 guineas (AUD 250,480).

Listed as Lot 5, the colt from Mail The Desert was purchased by leading agents Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock when Day 1 of Book 1 started on Tuesday.  The Doyles have targeted Equiano from the outset having bought three of his first-crop weanlings at the Tattersalls Foal Sale last December.

Mail The Desert (Desert Prince) was a Group 1 winner of the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh and she has already foaled winners by Pivotal and Dr Fong.

The second Equiano to change hands on Tuesday was the colt from Persario (Bishop of Cashel) that made 80,000 guineas (AUD 143,130) to the bid of Anthony Stroud Bloodstock.  The colt is a half-brother to G2 British Champions Sprint winner Deacon Blues (Compton Place).

Equiano (Fr) has another two yearlings catalogued for Day 3 of Book 1 on Thursday.  There are a further 21 yearlings on offer during Book 2 of the world-renowned sale starting next Monday, October 14.

The overnight news out of Tattersalls emphasised Equiano’s popularity in Europe and Australia.  “He served more mares than any other British based sire in his first season over there,” Swettenham owner Adam Sangster said on Wednesday morning.  “And we’re looking forward to selling his first Australian yearlings next year.”

Inglis has catalogued 13 of his 15 Swettenham yearlings for Melbourne’s Premier 1 Sale in March.  “Gai Waterhouse was impressed with the Equianos when she inspected them here last week,” Sangster added.  “She brought along a Chinese client and recommended one of his colts as a Golden Slipper type.

“Gai said they’re all beautifully balanced individuals and that’s the feedback we’re getting from owners and trainers that visit the farm.”

Equiano (Acclamation) was a dual Group 1 winner of the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and he is currently covering a third southern book at Swettenham for a $16,500 fee.

Broodmare owners can contact Adam Sangster (0418 543 633) or Chris Belli (0417 514 552) for further information on Swettenham’s stallions.

Swettenham’s interactive website with the stud’s October newsletter can be viewed at:  www.swettenham.com.au

View the Equiano – Mail The Desert colt here.

– Karl Patterson

EQUIANO