Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions
Lot 130 - Alabama Express x Orange Flame (NZ) (Sweet Orange) (colt)
Buyer: Thoroughbred Solutions Pty Ltd, VIC
Vendor: Yulong, Nagambie, Vic (As Agent)
When the gavel came down on lot 130 at just $30,000, Thoroughbred Solutions’ Nadia Horne was pleasantly surprised admitting “just on his pedigree, we thought he'd go for a heck of a lot more.
“We probably thought we were going to have to look between $50,000 and $100,000. That's where we priced him. And we were quite happy to go to $50,000, $60,000 or $70,000. But to get him for that amount of money was a real steal really.”
By boom first-season sire Alabama Express, the Yulong Stud consigned colt is from a half-sister to the stakes winning mare Flame Of Sydney (Encosta De Lago), the dam of Aquis Farm’s Group 1 producing stallion Invader and five-time stakes winner Not Listenin’tome.
Noting his lovely pedigree, Horne acknowledged “he’s got a very good family, obviously being out of a half sister to Flame Of Sydney.
Lot 130 - Alabama Express x Orange Flame (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
“We got him looked at and he was a lovely type. And also we got him vetted and he was low risk. So it was really a no brainer.”
Commending the colt’s sire, Horne was equally excited to get a hold of a progeny by the exciting young Yulong Stud based sire.
“He's (Alabama Express) a bit of a hot horse at the moment that's doing particularly well. So we were happy to secure one. And that's what we're trying to do is just secure horses across a wide spectrum of stallions to try and suit everybody.”
Speaking of the sale, Horne emphasised the value on offer for syndicators and buyers alike.
“It's a buyers market, so I've picked up another two. I think that you're probably looking at horses virtually half price of what you would have paid a few years ago.
“The good stuff at any sale, doesn't matter where it is, always brings good money. But it's that middle to lower market that’s taken a real hit.”
“The good stuff at any sale, doesn't matter where it is, always brings good money. But it's that middle to lower market that’s taken a real hit.” - Nadia Horne
In addition to her lot 130 acquisition, it was a busy half hour for Horne’s Thoroughbred Solutions who forked out $35,000 and $20,000 respectively for lot 138, a Pierata colt from Pass The Jewel and lot 139, a Brutal (NZ) colt from Perfect Tempo.
Having purchased 11 yearlings this far into the sales season, Horne’s Thoroughbred Solutions looks set for a busy future ahead. Speaking of the relatively new syndicate, Horne emphasised their desires to get people involved at affordable prices.
“We're looking at horses that need a bit of time, a bit of growth. We send them to Cityview Farm to grow out, then look at breaking them in mid-year and start their preparation like that”.
