First Crop Saxon Warrior Colt Fetches Seven Figure Sum

Top-class miler Saxon Warrior enjoyed a dream start with his first yearlings offered at Monday’s JRHA Select Yearling Sale in his native Japan.

Katsumi Yoshida offered the sole colt by the first crop sire as Lot 131, which was knocked down to Kondo Junko for ¥190 million; equivalent to $1,723,567/€1,454,640/£1,244,120. Yoshida sent Listed winner I’m Yours to the son of Deep Impact after purchasing her for €210,000 at the Goffs November Sale, before exporting her to Japan.

Yoshida did the same with dual Group/Grade 3 winner Treasuring, and the resulting filly sold for Musashino Turf for ¥90,000 ($816,263/€689,220/£589,320).

Strong demand for Saxon Warrior's first crop follows some excellent results at last year’s foal sales, which saw him lead the first crop sire division. At the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, Philip Stauffenberg went to 280,000gns to secure Norris Bloodstock’s Saxon Warrior filly out of Archangel Gabriel, while the previous day, Camas Park Stud spent 260,000gns on a pair of colts. Other shrewd buyers of Saxon Warrior’s first foals include Mags O’Toole, Horse Park Stud, Fairway Partners, MAB Agency and Paca Paca Farm.

Should they emulate their sire, Saxon Warrior’s stock should also make an early impression on the track, he having completed an unbeaten juvenile campaign with Group 1 success in the Racing Post Trophy Stakes. Roaring Lion chased him home that day and was among his beaten rivals when Saxon Warrior landed the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas.

His dam, Maybe (Galileo), was also unbeaten at two; the Chesham Stakes and Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes among her victories. Saxon Warrior’s second dam is a three-parts sister to Dancing Rain (Danehill Dancer), while his third dam is closely related to Dr Devious.