| The filly that caused a
temporary shutdown of the Sydney Airport last week has sold above expectations during
yesterday's first session of the Australian Easter Yearling Sale at Newmarket in Sydney. By the all conquering New Zealand sire Zabeel, the filly, who is nicknamed
"spaghetti," escaped from her cargo box shortly after being unloaded from a 747
aircraft which had flown her across the Tasman to Australia.
The filly, who is from the dual Group Two winning Centaine
mare Arletty, was close to being destroyed after her airport dash.
"Spaghetti" was purchased by Darley Australia, the
local property of one of the world's richest men Shiekh Mahommed bin Rashid al Maktoum.
She was knocked down for $480,000. The final bid was placed by Darley's Bloodstock Agent
John Ferguson.
The filly was offered by sale by leading New Zealand property
Rich Hill Stud and their manager John Thompson was pleased with the price which was more
than double her reserve.
"We're thrilled with the result as you can
imagine," Thompson enthused.
"The reserve was just $200,000 and you couldn't wish for
her to go to a better home," he added.
Arletty a winner of the Villiers Stakes and Queen of the Turf
Stakes, both Group Two events in Sydney, is a three quarter sister in blood to Saturday's
AJC Oaks equal favourite Sixty Seconds.
The $480,000 yearling purchase was the first foal of the
daughter of Centaine. She is by New Zealand's champion sire Zabeel. |
