The first of four foal sessions at the Tattersalls’ December Sale commenced on Wednesday and topping the bill was a Sakhee’s Secret colt that made 42,000 guineas.  Day 1 was graded to be the weakest of the four sessions and the top-end of the leader-board were almost all pin-hookers.

Agent Richard Frisby signed for the top-priced Sakhee’s Secret colt who is out of a half-sister to the Listed winners Bishops Court and Astonished.  “He was the standout individual here,” said Frisby.  “It’s a very tough family and the dam is also a full-sister to Cape Royal who has won 12 races.”

There was plenty of interest in the Bahamian Bounty colt that changed hands for 40,000 guineas.  He is out of the Night Shift mare Quickstyx and recent updates in the pedigree include his Dubawi half-sister Watneya who won at her only start for William Haggas.  His Singspiel half-brother also made 130,000 guineas at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

“He is a well-related horse,” said winning pin-hooker Willie Browne.   “The plan will be to bring this chap back here next year.”

A total of 129 lots sold on Day 1 for 1.23 million guineas at an average of 9,542 guineas.  That represented a 31% rise in average when compared with last year’s opening foal session.

1,000 guineas = AUD 1,701