First Foals By Highland Reel In Demand At Tattersalls

The first crop of globetrotting superstar Highland Reel made a fine impressive at the Tattersalls Foal Sale, where two of his sons sold for six-figure sums.

Top billing went to a colt (Lot 722) offered by Newsells Park Stud on behalf of breeder Bunny Roberts, which was knocked down to agent Bertrand Le Metayer at 150,000gns. A half-brother to Listed scorer Feel Glorious, the bay colt was bought to race for a partnership according the Metayer, who added, “When a horse achieved what Highland Reel did as a racehorse you have to take note – it is very difficult in this day and age for a racehorse to achieve what he did. This is a good-walking, quality colt – he has everything going for him.”

Highland Reel’s racecourse career was, indeed, incredible, with the son of Galileo winning seven Group 1 contests across three continents for Aidan O’Brien. He also boasts supreme appeal on pedigree, being out of Group 1 performer Heveger (Danehill), herself a full-sister to champion older horse Elvstroem.

Newsells Park manager Julian Dollar was another to praise the colt out of Self Centred, saying, “The mare boards with us and this has always been a lovely foal. He has been very busy here and has been a true pro, shown exactly the same for every viewing. He is a great advert for his young sire.”

Later in the sale, Paca Paca Farm went to 115,000gns for an April-born son of Highland Reel offered by Ringfort Stud as Lot 1037. Out of the Pivotal mare Miss Kenton, he is closely related to Stakes performers Floating Artist and Darlington Hall.

Top pinhookers JC Bloodstock bought two colts by Highland Reel over the course of the week, with other foal buyers including Manister House Stud, Norris and Huntingdon, Blandford Bloodstock and BBA Ireland.