St Mark’s Basilica Filly Hits New Heights At 575,000gns

A filly from the first crop of St Mark’s Basilica became the highest-priced foal sold in Europe or North America in 2023 when bringing 575,000gns at the Tattersalls December Sale.

Ashbrittle Stud consigned the top lot, who they bred in partnership with Mark Dixon out of their homebred Epsom Oaks heroine Talent. Expectations were high for the half-sister to Ambition, and as bidding peaked, the auctioneer divided his attentions between Shadwell’s Angus Gold, bloodstock agent Jill Lamb, and Tom Goff standing with the Coolmore team. Lamb had the final say, before revealing her purchase had been made on behalf of Newsells Park Stud.

“She is beautiful, absolutely gorgeous,” Lamb said. “I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her. She is very athletic and has a wonderful page. She has been bought to race and she ticked all the boxes for us. We are delighted to get her.”

St Mark’s Basilica enjoyed another terrific result later in the session when Norris Bloodstock sold their colt to Camas Park Stud for 180,000gns. The quality colt continued a successful run for breeder Hunscote Stud, who has sold the mare’s last two foals by Saxon Warrior for a total of 400,000gns.

Taroka Stud offered another fine advertisement for the high standard of St Mark’s Basilica’s first foals and were well-rewarded when selling their filly to Ronald Rauscher for 175,000. The May-born bay is a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai).

Galbertstown Stables earlier sold a St Mark’s Basilica colt out of Stakes performer Chicas Amigas for 130,000gns to Yeomanstown Stud. Other buyers who secured foals from the first crop of St Mark’s Basilica included Aughamore Stud, Kelly Equine, Jamie Railton, Federico Barberini and Barry Lynch.