Patinack spending spree fuels records at Magic Millions
Underpinned by unprecedented activity by Patinack Farm, the Conrad Jupiters
Magic Millions Yearling Sale surged to new records late Thursday afternoon, with
Patinack Farm Director Roger Langley signing for a pair of Redoute’s Choice
colts at A$2.2 million apiece, eclipsing the A$2 million Magic Millions record
set last year for a Sadler’s Wells-Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence) colt.
The first of the record-setting pair was Hip No. 785, a half-brother to
champion Dance Hero (Danzero), out of the winning Dance Floor mare mare Gyspsy
Dancer. Coolmore bought the colt as a weanling at Magic Millions last May for an
Australasian record A$1.15 million and over the last 10 months or so at the
Jerry’s Plains farm, the youngster has delivered a return on the investment that
works out at around A$3,500 per day — an enviable profit by any standard.
The daring pinhook paid a A$1.05 million dividend when Patinack outstayed
trainer Tim Martin, acting on behalf of buying on behalf of Perth businessman
Paul Silvestro, to snare the colt. Coolmore’s Tom Magnier was delighted with the
sale of the highlight of their draft.
“It’s a great result,” Magnier said. “Deep down I was hoping for A$2 million,
but at a sale you never know. This is the first colt we’ve pinhooked and it’s
been a great success.”
The opening bid was A$1 million and rapidly escalated in A$100,000 increments
to $2.1 million, with Martin succumbing to pressure after his A$50,000 salvo was
answered by the same amount from Patinack. Langley said the colt was among the
best in the catalog.
“You just have to look at his three-quarter brother (Dance Hero), probably
one of the best two-year-olds ever to race,” Langley said. “He won the Triple
Crown (Golden Slipper [Aus-G1], AJC Sires Produce S. [Aus-G1] and AJC Champagne
S. [Aus-G1]) and he also won the Magic Millions. We are definitely planning to
bring this colt back next year for the Magic Millions two-year-old race. He’s a
very strong, forward type of horse — an ideal two-year-old. He’s got everything
going for him, he meets all our criteria. He is an ideal sire prospect, quite
simply a very exciting horse to have.”
Langley added that the colt would “most likely” be sent to Sydney horseman
Anthony Cummings.
A couple of hours later, Patinack again came with all guns firing to secure a
Redoute’s Choice half-brother to last Saturday’s Chipping Norton S. (Aus-G1)
winner Casino Prince (Flying Spur), himself a tried purchase for Patinack. The
strongly made colt with a bold white blaze was offered by dominant vendor
Baramul and bidding began at A$1.05 million. Underbidders included trainer
Graeme Rogerson.
With principal Nathan Tinkler present, Patinack’s sale-ring splurge continued
unabated through Thursday. In total, Patinack has given A$18,660,000 for 58
yearlings at an average of A$322,069. Some 26 colts and 32 fillies — the least
expensive being a A$45,000 Choisir (Aus) filly — included eight by Redoute’s
Choice and six by Encosta de Lago.