It did not take long for Intel Bloodstock’s Ash Richards to make his mark.
After five years in sales and nominations at Sun Stud and Widden Victoria, Richards only hung out the shingle in February.
In association with B Hall / 888 Racing Victoria, Intel Bloodstock signed for the $150,000 sale-topper at Thursday’s Inglis Gold Yearling Sale.
Consigned by Supreme Thoroughbreds (Lot 223), the sale-topper is a filly by Frosted (USA) from the unraced True Priority, a daughter of the emerging broodmare sire, Bel Esprit.
True Priority is a sister to high-class mare True Persuasion, who ran second to Hay List in the Group 1 MVRC Manikato Stakes before clocking in third behind Black Caviar and Hot Danish in the MVRC Schweppes Stakes.
Richards said it was along wait before securing the sale-topper late in the day.
“She was the filly of the sale, so we were prepared to wait all day,” Richards enthused.
“She had quality and strength to her frame with presence and excellent biomechanical movement.
“She was a lovely big strong filly who was all speed, a nice mature forward filly who was really well mated being line bred to Nijinsky.
“Out of a Bel Esprit mare who is an emerging broodmare sire, three Group 1 winners, strong winners to runners and exciting young horses all out of Bel Esprit mares.
“She is by Frosted (USA), who covered his biggest book in the Southern Hemisphere last year off his highest fee, suggesting the breeders are big believers.
It was the second successive year that Supreme Thoroughbreds topped the sale. Twelve months ago, Legend Racing shelled out $260,000 for a filly by Extreme Choice.
“Supreme Thoroughbreds do an excellent job of preparing the horses for sale,” Richards said.
“Above all, I was thrilled to secure this filly for a very good passionate client.”
