Fastnet Rock walking

$1.35 Million for Fastnet Colt

Demand for the progeny of champion sire Fastnet Rock continued unabated at the 2013 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on Thursday with a colt from Smart Company lighting up the sale ring when he sold for $1.35 million.

The star colt was consigned for sale by Lomar Park Stud, purchased by Coolmore Australia and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Divine Choice being the sixth foal of Smart Company, who comes from a superb female family nurtured for generations by Lomar Park’s Fred Peisah.

She traces to remarkable matriarch Social Smile (GB), who has left a dynasty of stakes-winners including Group I winners such as Super Elegant, Robian Steel, Razor Sharp and more recently Regal Cheer.

Tom Magnier from Coolmore Australia signed for the colt after a fierce bidding duel with agent James Harron, bidding for long time client Dr Edmund Bateman.

"We know how the well the stallion is going and the colt is a lovely individual," Magnier said. "He is by the right sire and we're delighted to have him.

"You have to pay for the good ones and he's a good one. He has the type and the pedigree."

Magnier immediately announced champion Randwick trainer Gai Waterhouse would be given the high priced colt to train.

"He's just a magnificent colt," Waterhouse said.

"He's poetry in motion and the last colt I said that about was Pierro and he turned out a champion and from this sale as well - let's hope he turns out as good.

"There's good speed in the family and I am delighted to be given him to train by Coolmore Stud. He just glides over the ground, such an exciting colt."

Other top sellers for Fastnet Rock on Thursday were colts from Volcada and Sweet Emotion that made $400,000 and $370,000 respectively when purchased by John O’Shea Racing and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.