A glorious summer of success at the most glamorous and thrilling festivals of the season lit a spark in the team behind the exciting juvenile Big Evs, who are California dreaming with their group 2 star. In the autumnal setting of Tattersalls Ireland, Conor Quirke, RP Racing, and Mick Appleby embarked on another fabulous adventure with their purchase of Stonethorn Stud Farms' Lope De Vega filly for €190,000 ($US203,300).
The strong and athletic bay was the subject of much conversation around the sale ground with her recent pedigree update adding to the filly's allure. It became apparent before the filly, offered by The Castlebridge Consignment, took her turn under the spotlights that the commentary was not misplaced, as all the big hitters moved into the auditorium in anticipation of her arrival.
Bidding quickly moved into the six-figure territory, which whittled down the players to three rivals in Quirke, Hubie de Burgh, and Matt Houldsworth. It was the first two who ultimately fought it out, with Quirke having the final say.
"She was a standout for me and ultimately her half sister got her over the line," Quirke said.
That half sister is Bluedrum, who caught the eye when making a winning debut at Naas last Thursday, and the Racing Post analysis comments for the Jessica Harrington-trained daughter of Blue Point were telling.
The comments were: "She could easily step up to a mile, but on this evidence she does not have to just yet. She could be exciting."
Bluedrum has no major entries as yet, but her potential appears unlimited, and Quirke believes that her younger sister, who is also a granddaughter of Shamardal, possesses similar promise.
"She is a lovely filly and was well placed here, so she stood out a lot. Her breeders are very good at what they do and today was not her cup final, she is going to keep improving, which I appreciate. She was hard to fault, by a very good sire and her Blue Point half sister looks a good horse," he added.
While Big Evs, another by Blue Point, was a sharp and early prospect, this new acquisition to run in Paul and Rachael Teasdale's silks is more of a slow-burner.
"She is a long-term prospect," said Quirke. "I think as a 2-year-old she won't be seen before midsummer but we can dream big for her as a 3-year-old. She has residual value as a broodmare, too, and she really stood out here."
Of Big Evs, the horse who has taken them to the winners' enclosure after the Windsor Castle, Molecomb (G3), and Flying Childers (G2) stakes, he confirmed the Breeders' Cup is firmly on the agenda.
"He has bounced out of the race [Flying Childers] as usual and I've booked my flights to America! Mick is great fun and the owners are good people. We've been on a lovely journey together and long may it continue."
Day 1 Statistics
Figures rose across the board on the opening day of Part One of the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale, with the strength at all levels of the market reflected in median and average prices that were quite close.
In total, 205 of the 238 yearlings offered were sold, which generated turnover of €6,729,500 (US$7,186,097; €1=US$1.07), and that represented an increase of 3% on last year's aggregate. At 86%, the clearance rate was lower than the 91% recorded 12 months previously but the average of €32,827 was up by 5% on the €31,202 figure from 2022. The greatest improvement was in the median, which grew by 13% year-on-year from €26,500 to €30,000.
