Lot 156-Dark Angel x Beatrix Potter filly
Europe’s leading racing stables descended on the Goffs auction ring in Ireland yesterday to duel for the honour of securing the full-sister to former world champion sprinter Harry Angel. When the auctioneer’s gavel finally rung out at a winning bid of €1,000,000 it was Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Stable that had seen off the likes of Qatar Racing, Phoenix Bloodstock and international agent Alastair Donald.
The figure was a record price for star sire Dark Angel with the filly the first of his yearlings ever to smash through the seven-figure barrier. She was also one of only three yearlings to eclipse the magical figure in the opening day of trading at the Goffs Orby Sale
The Dark Angel x Beatrix Potter filly is the fifth auction offering for the China Horse Club’s European division to equal or better €1,000,000 in the last three seasons. In a short time, the club’s European division has established itself as breeder and seller of premium stock trade no less than five sale topper in its own name or in partnership in that time. She also carries on an imperious 2019 that has included the USD5,000,000 sale of champion mare Abel Tasman at Keeneland in January.
Anthony Stroud, bloodstock agent for Godolphin, was unequivocal in talking with the media after the sale that the Dark Angel x Beatrix Potter filly was central to their intentions for this year’s Goffs Orby Sale.
“Really smooth, lovely filly, very athletic, moved easily and we liked her,” Stroud said.
“And [Godolphin] are standing Harry Angel at Dalham Hall. It was close to our hearts. It is a good family. Absolutely, she was the one we wanted today.”
Michael Wallace, the China Horse Club’s Head of Bloodstock and Racing, was elated with the result but not surprised.
“She is a collector’s item, she really is and the biggest stables in the world all came to look at her and many to bid on her,” he said.
“When you consider how many yearlings are sold across America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand and that she may be the only full-sister to a world champion sprinter and elite stallion prospect sold this year, it is very easy to see why she was in demand.
“From China Horse Club’s perspective, she continues a series of wonderful results for our operation. We have publicly sold 11 thoroughbreds through European auctions for €500,000 or more since 2017 alone as well as Abel Tasman for USD5,000,000 at Keeneland earlier this year. There is a lot to be proud of.”
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