Lope de Vega x Falling Petals colt
One of the world’s foremost thoroughbred operations has fought hardest to land the latest offering of China Horse Club’s blue hen mare, Falling Petals, at the opening day of trading at Goffs Orby Sale in Ireland.
Juddmonte International made their mark with a €750,000 bid when securing Falling Petals’ striking Lope de Vega colt, a half-brother to two-time G1 heroine Saffron Beach who signed off her racing career when sold for a staggering 3,600,000 guineas at the 2022 Tattersalls December Mares Sale.
Falling Petals has been a mainstay at the Orby Sale in recent years with her progeny marked as ‘must haves’ by many of Europe’s racing super powers. In 2023, Goldie Trickett, a full-sister to Saffron Beach became the highest priced yearling by New Bay to ever sell in an auction ring when trading for €1,650,000 – the second highest price of the sale.
Twelve months earlier, their full-brother, Granger Bay, set a high watermark for the then emerging New Bay when realizing €450,000. While in 2021, a half-sister by Australia was sold for 450,000 guineas at Tattersalls Book 1.
The interest in the Lope de Vega x Falling Petals colt was unsurprising. In addition to the exploits of Saffron Beach, the above mentioned Granger Bay franked his undoubted talents when breaking his maiden last month by an effortless six lengths at Ascot.
“It is testament to the qualities of this colt that an operation of the standing of Juddmonte International has moved to secure him,” said Matt Houldsworth, China Horse Club’s European Representative.
“Juddmonte, of course, is best known for breeding world class performers and only selectively supplements its yearling pool with individuals it cannot live without. We wish them every success with this colt and we also thank our great friends at Ballylinch Stud, headed by John O’Connor, for their work in preparing this colt and continuing to oversee the care of Falling Petals who means the world to us.”
Earlier on the opening day, China Horse Club’s European division also sold a New Bay x White Bullet colt to leading agent Alex Elliott for €110,000. In time, the yearling will join the stable of classic winning trainer Ralph Beckett. In recent seasons, Elliott and Beckett have worked together with great success. Headlining achievements are this season’s G1 Irish Oaks winner, You Got To Me and 2024 Listed Cheshire Oaks winner Forest Fairy while the support cast includes, New Mandate (G2), Jimi Hendrix (Listed), Grey’s Monument (Listed) and more.