Lot: 123 (c) Crystal Ocean – Beneficial Choice

Vendor: Nicholas Dee

Purchaser: Oak Tree Farm

Price: €32,000

Over the course of the week noted National Hunt pinhooker Norman Williamson signed for a number of foals and the first of them was this smart looking colt from the second crop of Crystal Ocean. The Sea The Stars horse enjoyed a stellar time of things last year with his first crop and his second batch were equally well received. This relation to the Welsh Grand National winner Emperor’s Choice could represent excellent value in due course.

Lot: 386 (c) Poet’s Word – Place des Vosges

Vendor: Ashwood Stud

Purchaser: Gerry Hogan Bloodstock

Price: €38,000

At this sale last year the first crop of the top-class Poet’s Word were well received and it was a similar story for the progeny of the Poet’s Voice horse this week with his 37 foals sold showing an average of just over €17,000. One of the most attracive on offer was this colt, the first produce of Place Des Vosges who developed into a very capable dual-purpose performer for Mark Fahey in 2020 and 2021.

Lot: 404 (c) Nathaniel – Via Delle Volte

Vendor: Molland Ridge Stud

Purchaser: T. Hillman

Price: €45,000

Whether the code is flat or National Hunt, Nathaniel has proven himself a reliable source of quality as evidenced by results on the track this year which saw Desert Crown win the Derby while Zanahiyr reached the frame in the Champion Hurdle. Five of his six foals this week were sold for a hugely impressive average of €51,600 and among them was this smart colt who is the second produce of a listed and Grade 3-placed juvenile hurdler. He will return for resale in 2025.

Lot: 437 (c) Affinisea – Hurricane Linda

Vendor: Whytemount Stud

Purchaser: Joey Logan Bloodstock

Price: €40,000

The early portents on the track and in the point-to-point field would indicate that Affinisea stands on the cusp of becoming a notable influence over jumps and he was responsible for a number of very popular foals throughout the week. Among them was this Ronnie O’Neill-owned colt who made plenty of appeal on pedigree as he is the latest produce of a unraced own-sister to the multiple Grade 2-winning Hidden Cyclone.

Lot: 588 (c) Vadamos – Ballycloven Oscar

Vendor: Yellowford Farm

Purchaser: Abbeylands Farm

Price: €45,000

The victory of King Of Kingsfield at Down Royal last weekend suggested that the Gordon Elliott inmate could become one of the forerunners for his sire over jumps. Among the progeny of Vadamos sold this week was this relation to Felix Yonger who will be reoffered by Frannie Woods as a three-year-old.