Najd Stud Invests in Star Power with Victoire Magique

Trainer Amy Murphy admitted to "mixed emotions" after seeing her group 3-winning Victoire Magique (GB) realize 450,000 guineas shortly before 7 p.m. on Day 2 of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale Oct. 27. The buying team from Saudi Arabian outfit Najd Stud, sitting with agent Nico Archdale, struck the winning bid. The 3-year-old son of Victor Ludorum (GB) was bought by Murphy for just 40,000 guineas at Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2024. He had appreciated markedly in value by the time he reappeared at Park Paddocks Oct. 26 thanks to four racecourse successes. He made a winning debut at 2 and took his form to new heights this year, landing the listed Prix Michel Houyvet and Prix Gerald de Geoffre (G3). "When you bring a horse like this to market, it's always a bittersweet moment with mixed emotions," Murphy said. "The race that I suspect they've bought him for, the Red Sea Turf in Riyadh in February, is the race we were thinking of if he didn't sell today. "I hope he goes on to be very lucky for his new connections. He's been a great horse for us this year, winning a listed race and a group 3. I hope he goes on, as I expect he will." Victoire Magique might have done his racing in France, but is owned by the British-based Solario Racing syndicate, which is run by Simon Double. "We bought him here as a yearling for 40,000 guineas and he's given his owners, Solario Racing, some fabulous days out," Murphy said. "I bought him on spec and didn't have anyone for him at the time; I just loved him as a physical." She added: "This is great, though. You always want to see a profit, and that's life-changing money for that syndicate. We've already bought them a couple of yearlings in anticipation of selling him!" Najd Stud's spree continued a short while later when the operation went to an even more punchy 750,000 guineas (US$1,050,000, 1 guinea=US$1.40) for five-time winner The Lost King (GB). King Power Racing's homebred son of Kingman (GB) won five races for Andrew Balding, and also boasted numerous pieces of black-type form. He reached a peak Racing Post Rating of 113 when winning a heritage handicap at York Racecourse during the Ebor Festival, and finished runner-up on his last two starts, first when running into Talk of New York (GB) in the Joel Stakes (G2) and then when chasing home Humidity (GB) in the Darley Stakes (G3). The Lost King was consigned through Jamie Railton. Najd Stud and Archdale Bloodstock also landed the classy four-time winner Blue Rc at 180,000 guineas, taking their spend to 1,380,000 guineas.