Trainer Donald McCain and his principal owner Tim Leslie spent 200,000 pounds on two lots offered by The Aga Khan Studs at the Doncaster November Sale on Thursday.

Doncaster’s Day 1 session on Wednesday was reserved for yearlings while Day 2 consisted of Horses in Training prospects.  The Day 1 average increased 41% and the Day 2 average was up 59% to 8,320 pounds.

Those results were matched by a clearance rate of 80% and a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

McCain has enjoyed considerable success with graduates of Doncaster’s November HIT Sale.  They include 2009 sale topper Overturn who went on to win the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle and G2 Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.

Topping Day 2 trade was Ebanour, an Indian Ridge half-brother to 2007 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Ebaziyan.  An unraced three year-old, he had always been held in high regard by trainer John Oxx and went into the ring with a significant reserve.  McCain beat under-bidder Tim Kent when the hammer came down at 120,000 pounds.

Shortly beforehand McCain had seen off auctioneer Nick Nugent to buy Emrani for 80,000 pounds.  The Rahy gelding has scored three times this season for Oxx including a competitive handicap over 3200m at Down Royal on September 10.

The Aga Khan is a major shareholder in the Goffs – Doncaster Bloodstock group.

Trainer David Simcock topped his spending with 52,000 pounds for Lord Of The Stars.  The Speightstown colt had won on debut at Newmarket in June for trainer Ralph Beckett.

‘Turnover was boosted by some significant Irish entries as a result of our amalgamation with the Goffs HIT Sale,”  DBS Managing Director Henry Beeby said.  “It demonstrates that Horses in Training sell just as well, if not better, at Doncaster than any other location.”

1,000 pounds = AUD 1,603