Wootton Bassett paddock shot

Wootton Bassett Colt Reaches New Heights At Osarus

A son of Wootton Bassett became the highest-priced flat horse ever sold by Osarus when selling for €200,000 at the venue’s Breeze-Up Sale on Tuesday.

Nicolas Bertran de Balanda saw off stiff competition from Marc Antoine Berghracht and Frederic Rossi to secure the bay colt, who was consigned by Philip Prevost-Baratte.

The sire was a huge draw for the successful agent, who said, “The fact that he's by Wootton Bassett is hardly just a detail. He's a wonderful stallion who really improves his stock, and this is a beautiful-looking colt.”

Prevost-Baratte was delighted to see his brave decision rewarded, having switched the colt to Osarus when the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale moved to Doncaster. “I think it helped enormously to be clearly the horse everyone wanted in the sale,” he said. “He moves well and did a good canter so he ticked all the boxes, and fortunately, there were several buyers looking for quality.”

The handsome bay is the first foal bred by David Salabi and Thierry de la Heronniere out of dual winner Ettu.