Mare In Foal To St Mark’s Basilica Tops Day 1 At Tattersalls

The first mare to be offered in foal to St Mark’s Basilica at Tattersalls topped the opening day of the December Sale when knocked down for 800,000gns.

The star lot in question, Archangel Gabriel, featured in the inaugural Sceptre Session as the dam of dual Stakes winner Ville De Grace. She had previously proven profitable for connections, with her last two foals by Saxon Warrior fetching a combined 400,000gns.

It is perhaps then unsurprising that co-owner Hunscote Stud bought out partner Chris Humber, with the farm’s manager Andy Lloyd later explaining, “She’s a gorgeous mare, you don't get many chances and we had one. She has got a good cover and the family is very active, so we’re very lucky to keep her.”

Looking to the future, Lloyd continued, “Her progeny have made six figures multiple times so we will see what the St Mark's Basilica foal brings in March.”

Archangel Gabriel is just one example of the stellar mares covered by world champion three-year-old and European champion two-year-old St Mark’s Basilica in his first season at stud. They include an impressive number of Group 1 winners, among them brilliant globetrotter Deirdre, top-class mare Midday, champion three-year-old filly Stacelita, Epsom Oaks heroine Talent and Matron Stakes winner Fiesolana.

St Mark’s Basilica’s first crop will also include siblings of triple Group 1 winner Best Solution, champion three-year-old filly Chicquita, leading sprinter Limato and Irish Derby hero Sovereign, to name just a few.