Galileo has 3.6m gns Tatts record-breaker

Champion sire Galileo became responsible for the dearest yearling ever sold in Europe on Tuesday evening courtesy of a colt selling for 3.6 million gns at Tattersalls.

The striking youngster, a full-brother to this year’s G1 Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture out of the Danehill mare Shastye, was offered from Newsells Park Stud in front of a packed sale ring.

David Redvers kicked off bidding at 1 million gns and he soon gained a determined opponent in John Magnier. As Redvers dropped out, his client Sheikh Fahad Al Thani took over the bidding until Magnier had the final say.

M V Magnier signed the buyer’s ticket and commented: "He has the pedigree, he ticks all the right boxes and he is by Galileo out of a Danehill mare, which is a magical cross. Galileo, of course, speaks for himself, but you 'd never think you'd have to go that far."

Julian Dollar of Newsells Park Stud added: “In my heart of hearts I’d hoped he’d make seven figures but that was incredible. He’s always been a gorgeous horse with a lovely temperament and a real professional. You can get lucky when you have all the right ingredients like that.”

Galileo dominated the October Yearling Sale session additionally with a colt and filly bringing 525,000gns apiece (bought by M V Magnier and Badgers Bloodstock).

It continued a trend at all the major yearling sales so far. Galileo had two yearlings make 1 million euros at the Arqana August Sale while his representatives realised up to 680,000 euros at the Goffs Orby Sale.