AS reported in last week’s thoroughbred sales pages in this paper and in a lovely video online, Galway show jumper Michael Duffy popped into the Tattersalls Ireland sales last Thursday week and he made a somewhat surprise purchase as the top bidder at €25,000 on Lot 714, a yearling colt by Alkumait, who stands at Ger O’Neill’s Capital Stud in Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny.

“I wasn’t really planning on it when I came in,” Duffy said afterwards. “I am at home for a few days and we called in here, I am delighted to get him, he’s a beautiful type. I hope he can race in my colours. I think I will send him to England, I’m not sure yet.”