News

Encosta colt takes over as sales topper

6th Apr 2009

Racenet - Brad Waters - Monday, 6 April 2009

An Encosta De Lago colt which syndicator Dean Watt says has been purchased on behalf of an overseas client, has become the highest priced lot at the Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Offered by Emirates Park, the colt was knocked down to Watt, the bloodstock agent behind Dynamic Syndications, for $1.8 million on Monday.

"I had specific instructions from an international buyer to buy the best colt at the sale and we did that so the mission has been accomplished," Watt said.

"From the very first moment I inspected him, I was impressed with the type of mover he was and every physical aspect of the horse and my instructions were to get him if at all possible."

The bay colt is out of the Don't Say Halo mare Show Dancing, making him a half-brother to the dual Group I winner and now emerging sire Al Maher.

"This is one of the best families available anywhere in Australia and my client was very keen to get hold of him," Watt said.

"He's related to (Group I winners) Umatilla, Hurricane Sky and Redoute's Choice. It's just a terrific page so hopefully he lives up to it on the racetrack."

Watt said a trainer for the colt was had not been decided but the horse "would definitely race in Australia."

"Five trainers were over to see us pretty quickly, but there is no rush to make a decision where he goes," he said.

Meanwhile, Watt said that interest in Blue Diamond winner Reward for Effort had increased despite his unplaced Golden Slipper run.

"There is no hurry to sell him but we had more offers for him after the Slipper," Watt said.

"A few studs decided that he fell into their price range when he didn't win the Slipper. We'll keep a share of him and he'll race on as a three-year-old so there is plenty of time.”