Well Bred Son Of Westerner Tops Day 1 Of Derby Sale

An own-brother to Grade 1 Champion Bumper victor Ferny Hollow (Westerner) topped the first day of the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale when selling to Michael Shefflin and Paul Holden for €160,000.

“He was a standout today,” Shefflin commented. “He’s a full-brother to Ferny Hollow and I just thought he’s a very good looking horse, he fits the bill. He’s a great moving horse, a great walker, and stands up very well. I just feel he’s a very nice horse.”

Shefflin and Holden will be hoping their pricey purchase follows the path of his talented sibling, who won his point-to-point by all of 15 lengths, before selling for £300,000. The Kenneth Parkhill-bred gelding won his sole start over hurdles last season, beating subsequent Grade 1 winner Bob Olinger.

Highflyer Bloodstock have enjoyed success with Westerner in the past, having bought Grade 2 winner Keeper Hill (Westerner), and went to €65,000 for a Westerner gelding from Noughaville Stud. Michael Hyde stretched to €62,000 for Abbey Stables’ son of Westerner, while other buyers to secure the Castlehyde Stud sire’s progeny include Ballyboy Stables, Monbeg Stables, Peter and Ross Doyle, Colin Tizzard and Milestone Bloodstock.