Windsor Park shuttler Mastercraftsman topped Day 1 of the Goffs February Sale in Ireland on Wednesday.

His first-crop half-sister to Lilbourne Lad made 200,000 euros to the bid of agent Timmy Hyde.  Lilbourne Lad (Acclamation) was a G2 winner of the 2011 Railway Stakes at the Curragh.

“She’s just a lovely filly from a good family and the sire was a hell of a racehorse,” said Hyde.  “Mastercraftsman has been getting some especially good looking stock and he must have every chance of making it as a stallion.”

Mastercraftsman (Danehill Dancer) was a G1 winner of the Phoenix Stakes and National Stakes at the Curragh at two and he trained on to become a leader of his generation as a three year-old winning the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and G1 Royal Ascot St James’ Palace Stakes.

His first NZ bred yearlings will be available at Karaka in 2013.

Next best on the Goffs leader-board was a colt by Darley shuttler New Approach that made 120,000 euros.  A half-brother to Royal Ascot winner Big Audio, he was part of the Castlebridge consignment and was knocked down to Darley Stud Management.

The Day 1 average jumped 56% to 12,778 euros for a catalogue consisting of yearlings and two-year-olds.  Thursday’s final session incorporates breeding stock for both flat and jumps racing.

Currency converter:  1,000 euros  = AUD 1,224