High Hopes For Starspangledbanner Colt After 320,000gns Sale

Teme Valley Racing joined forces with Coolmore to secure a son of Starspangledbanner for 320,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale.

Teme Valley are no strangers to the sire, having won the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby and Group 1 Cox Plate with State Of Rest (Starspangledbanner), who went on to win another two top-flight contests for his new owners.

Racing manager Richard Ryan saw similarities between the globetrotter and Mocklershill’s prize offering. “He’s an exceptional individual, he breezed very well and is not unlike State Of Rest. We loved the horse, let's hope he’s lucky.”

Ryan confirmed that the colt would be trained by Joseph O’Brien, before adding, “I don't think he will be too long to get to the racecourse, he’s a natural, easy mover with a great mind. He has every chance of being active this season, that’s what we’re hoping for. Joseph knows this type of horse exceptionally well and handles them brilliantly so it’s a good fit all round.”

Consignor Willie Browne later sang the praises of the colt. “He’s the best physical I’ve had for many years,” the breeze-up maestro said. “I’ve never had so many vets on a horse. I genuinely think the world of him. He could be a Coventry horse in my opinion.”

The son of Starspangledbanner is a full-brother to Nordic Dragon (Starspangledbanner), who won his first two starts in Hong Kong.