450,000 Guineas for Starspangledbanner Colt

The highest priced colt to sell in Friday’s stellar session of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale was the half-brother by Starspangledbanner to this year’s dual Group I winning juvenile Vandeek that made 450,000 guineas when secured by MV Magnier.

The colt from Exceed and Excel mare Mosa Mine was bred and consigned by Kelly Thomas’ Maywood Stud and they were thrilled with the result.

“We bred the dam Mosa Mine, sold her as a yearling and bought her back for very little money,” Kelly Thomas revealed.

“I have just had faith in the family for a long time and just felt that something had to come through at some stage. They are just too determined, that will-to-win to have their heads in front. This colt even has to have his head in front at feed time, the other foals can come second to him all the time, he just has that competitive nature. It is the important thing you need in a racehorse."

Vandeek is on his winter break following an undefeated juvenile season that saw him win the Group I Prix Morny at Deauville and then the Group I Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

He is a lovely horse, and in fairness to Kelly Thomas and everyone they have done a great job with him,” said MV Magnier.

“He is a half-brother to a very good horse, and I am just glad we can support the likes of the Thomas's, and it is a great result for them. He has quality, is a good mover and he looks like he will be a fast, early horse, and hopefully he will be."

Starspangledbanner has had 13 stakes-winners in 2023 including outstanding Hong Kong performers Beauty Eternal and California Spangle.