Wootton Bassett Gelding Tops May Point-to-Point And Horses-in-Training Sale

[Wandering Eyes]

Four-year-old gelding Arslan (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) (lot 10), who filled the runner-up spot on his point-to-point debut at Tralee last weekend, topped Wednesday's Tattersalls Ireland May Point-to-Point and Horses-in-Training Sale when selling to Harold Kirk and trainer Willie Mullins for €180,000.

Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Arslan is out of the dual Grade I-winning mare Harmonious (Dynaformer) and was consigned by Richard Black of Ballinapark Stables, who had purchased him in France last July for €28,000.

“This is a beautiful horse, by a fantastic sire and with a pedigree,” said Kirk. “I loved him in his point-to-point–he could be a two miler, could be a mile-and-a-half Flat horse or he could be a good hurdler. He has shown he can jump, but he could do two jobs and we are hoping he will make a good dual-purpose type.”

Arslan was one of two lots to sell for over €100,000, with the other being the Zarak (Fr) mare Dippedinmoonlight (Ire) (lot 5), who won by 40 lengths on her debut at Inchydoney last weekend. Consigned by Daragh Barry's Furziestown Stables, she is out of a half-sister to the 14-time Group 1 winner Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) and was bought by trainer Emmet Mullins for €130,000.

“We are delighted,” said Berry. “It was a quick turnaround, but things happen for luck and it's great that she is going to Emmet Mullins. We were quietly confident on Sunday but what she did was a bit special so I hope she goes on and proves it for the lads.”

The sale was arranged in the space of just two weeks after consignors expressed a need for an additional point-to-point sale after the poor weather this spring altered so many training and running plans. Of the 23 lots offered, 16 sold (70% clearance rate) for an aggregate spend of €718,500. The average was €44,906 and the median was €32,500.

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