A MASSIVE battle at the sales for a horse who could be racing’s next superstar resulted in the runner going for a whopping £215,000.
Trainer Olly Murphy saw off competition from Grand National-winning trainer Henry de Bromhead to land the unnamed gelding.
The horse fetched so much because he is a half brother to Grade 1-winning icons Douvan and Jonbon.
They have combined for 12 Grade 1s between them, with Douvan winning the Supreme and Arkle at Cheltenham Festival in his brilliant career.
The latest sibling by Doctor Dino was sold on day one of the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale.
The Racing Post report ‘every possible vantage point’ was taken as Lot 84 paraded his stuff in front of potential purchasers.
One of those was De Bromhead, who has famously teamed up with Rachael Blackmore to win some of racing’s biggest contests.
But it was Murphy, who is based in Stratford-upon-Avon, who came in with the opening bid of €100,000 – just over £86,000.
Murphy and De Bromhead then went back and forth with bigger bids until Murphy saw off his competition with a winning offer of €250,000 – around £215,000.
The horse was bought for an owner who already has runners in Murphy’s Warwickshire yard.
The trainer said: “He’s a lovely horse and we’re looking forward to getting him home and seeing what he can do.”
Olly’s dad Aiden, who helped with the bidding, told The Irish Field: “He’s for Olly to train for an existing client.
“He is a lovely horse, his pedigree needs no introduction and he seems to have a lovely temperament.
“Every time I saw him over the past two days he showed himself perfectly.
“Let’s hope he is lucky and can live up to his family.”
Cathal Mariga, who is from vendor Coolmara Stables, said: “We were hoping for that sort of figure. He is a gorgeous horse.”
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