Lot: 160 (g) Well Chosen –

Belsalsa

Vendor: Derryluskin Stud

Purchaser: T. Hillman

Price: €42,000

This year’s catalogue contained just three sons of Well Chosen and the enduring appeal of the Sadler’s Wells horse was again in evidence on the opening day when Timmy Hillman, buying for resale, forked out €42,000 for this yearling. Hillman’s purchase is a half-brother to three winners headed by the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle second Mulcahys Hill.

Lot: 624 (f) Blue Bresil – Browngirlinthering

Vendor: Clonmult Farm

Purchaser: Stroud Coleman B’stock

Price: €56,000

The progeny of Blue Bresil, whose representatives on the track last season included the likes of Blue Lord and Royale Pagaille, were a much sought-after commodity this week and one of the most taking was this filly. She was bought by Matt Coleman on behalf of Newcastle-based Semore Kurdi who is assembling a team of largely National Hunt fillies to race and then breed from. Coleman’s purchase comes from a family that goes back to the RSA Chase hero Cooldine.

Lot: 698 (c) Goliath Du Berlais – Martalette

Vendor: Burgage Stud

Purchaser: J.C. Bloodstock

Price: €68,000

Among those stallions being represented by their first foals this week was the Saint des Saints horse Goliath Du Berlais. A multiple listed-winning jumper in France, he had just two foals on offer this week and this colt made notable appeal as he is the third produce of a smart Martaline mare who won at Grade 3 level over hurdles in France. He is another who will return for sale as a three-year-old after being snapped up by Michael Fitzpatrick.

Lot: 842 (c) Order Of St George – Mujdeya

Vendor: Sheridan House Stables

Purchaser: Glenvale Stud

Price: €58,000

The first crop of foals by the top stayer received a warm reception at this sale last year and it was more of the same this week with the Galileo horse supplying a number of taking foals. Among the most notable colts by the sire was this half-brother to Mister Blue Sky (who developed into a high-class novice hurdler for Willie Mullins several seasons ago when he won at Grade 2 level). Ciaran Conroy snapped up this smart-looking colt whose dam was bought from Sweden a couple of years ago.

Lot: 922 (c) Harzand – Mathine

Vendor: Mill House Stud

Purchaser: Lulsley Bloodstock

Price: €50,000

It is not unknown for foals at this sale to be purchased to return to France and this son of the dual Derby winner will be heading to that jurisdiction following this sale. Sold on behalf of noted English breeder John Lighfoot, this colt hails from a strong French family as his dam is a half-sister to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run, while she has already produced a Grade 2-placed runner in Lilly Pedlar.