First Yearlings By Churchill Prove Popular At The Orby Sale

The first crop of dual Guineas hero Churchill proved popular with buyers at the Goffs Orby Sale, where six of his progeny sold for six-figure sums.

Lot 336 from Glenvale Stud appealed on pedigree as a half-brother to dual Group 3 winner OnenightIdreamed (Footstepsinthesand) and clearly measured up on physical, as he commanded a winning bid of £220,000 from Jamie McCalmont.

Shortly after, Lynn Lodge Stud enjoyed a similarly strong result with their Churchill filly (Lot 367), who sold for £160,000 to Johnny Murtagh and Peter Nolan. A profitable 62,000gns pinhook, the March-born filly is the first foal out of Listed winner Rioticism.

Eddie O’Leary had also enjoyed a successful sale with a son of Churchill the previous day, selling a relation to Imagine and Generous for £100,000 to BBA Ireland.

After signing the docket for his pricey purchase, Johnny Murtagh commented, “I’ve bought her for a new client who wanted a filly to race and breed from one day. I’m looking forward to getting her home. She’s by an exciting young sire and she’s a lovely, strong physical. I couldn’t fault her.”

Churchill’s popularity continued with Lot 379 from Moyfinn Stud, who was knocked down to Highflyer Bloodstock for £150,000. The bay colt is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Ventura Storm (Zoffany) and hails from the family of Gutaifan and Mustashry.

Top judges Peter and Ross Doyle were others keen to secure a yearling by Churchill and with a bid of £140,000, bought a colt from Kildaragh Stud (Lot 321). The colt is the first foal out of Stakes performer Orcia, who herself is a half-sister to three Stakes winners.

BBA Ireland bought back-to-back lots by Churchill on Wednesday, giving £100,000 apiece for Lots 239 and 230, while Paddy Twomey and Joe Foley were others to get on the score sheet for Churchill’s first yearlings.