First Justify Yearling Sells in Japan

The first yearling by Triple Crown hero Justify sold at the JRHA Sale in Japan this week with the colt from Zipessa fetching ¥200m ($A2,429,800) to be the highest result for any first season sire at this sale.

Consigned by Shadai Farm and bought by Kaneko Makoto Holdings, the colt tied for the sixth highest price overall for the yearling session.

He is the second foal from US Group I winner Zipessa, who was sold to Shadai Farm for $US1.25 million at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale and visited Justify in 2019 before being sent to Japan.

Zipessa is a half-sister by City Zip to stakes-winner Majestic Code from the family of Group winners Always Shopping and Dearest.

The colt is the first of two yearlings to sell for Justify this week with the stallion’s first North American offering going through the ring on Tuesday at the Fasig-Tipton July Sale.

Justify also has one foal to come at the JRHA Select Sale during Tuesday’s foal session with that colt out of champion Caledonia Road.

The first Australian bred weanlings by Justify impressed at Australian sales earlier this year selling for up to $300,000. The undefeated champion son of Scat Daddy returns to Australia this spring at a fee of $55,000.