Fastnet Rock Dominates in New Zealand

The progeny of Fastnet Rock were in hot demand during the opening session of the NZB Premier Yearling Sale on Monday at Karaka, the champion sire providing the top three lots on the first day of trade. Topping proceedings was a stunning colt from Champion 3YO Katie Lee, who fetched $800,000 for Cambridge Stud when secured by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson. The powerful bay is the first foal of Katie Lee, who won eight races and placed eight times from 23 starts earning more than $1.1 million with a rare highlight double in the Group I NZ One Thousand and Two Thousand Guineas. The daughter of Pins was raced by Cambridge Stud's Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan and trained by Graeme Rogerson, whose partner Debbie signed for the colt following a protracted bidding duel with Te Akau boss David Ellis. "Debbie went up to Cambridge Stud the other week to see the mare and she saw this bloke,” Graeme Rogerson said. "On the way here in the car she said ‘I’m going to buy that horse’ and she has, she has got about seventy percent covered already so that’s all good, I'm sure Patrick will stay in too, he's good like that.” Rogerson said he thought that the colt could make up to $1.5 million. "His dam was a champion, she did a lot for us and this colt, well, if he can run then he could be worth $20 million as a stallion,” Rogerson said. "I trained Savabeel, so I know what's involved and we will certainly try and make this bloke into a stallion." Top filly of the session was the second foal of Group I placed stakes-winner Miss Scarlatti, who made $700,000 for Pencarrow Stud to the bid of Tom Magnier. "The Fastnet Rock fillies have been very popular and she’s a lovely type so all we need now is a little bit of luck,” commented Tom Magnier. "We’ll take her home and then decide what we’ll do with her and who will train her.” Giving Fastnet Rock the trifecta at the top end of the market was a colt from US Group II winner Randaroo (USA) that made $680,000 for Curraghmore Stud when secured by David Ellis. Fastnet Rock had 12 yearlings sell on day one of the sale at an average $347,500 to lead the sire averages by quite a margin.