The Everest-bound 4YO Ninja (Farnan) has been valued at $5.5m after a share in him sold “incredibly well’’ in today’s Inglis Digital October (Early) Online Sale.
A 1% share in the Michael Freedman-trained Ninja - who defeated raging Everest favourite and World’s Best Racehorse Ka Ying Rising in a barrier trial at Randwick yesterday – sold to David Blumberg for $55,000.
Blumberg lives in Glenugie, 20km south of Grafton, and has owned horses or shares in horses for 15 years.
But he was adamant he wanted a runner in the $20m G1 The Everest – the world’s richest race on turf – so when the share in Ninja became available on Inglis Digital, he knew this was his opportunity.
“I’ve been following Ninja for a while and was interested in this share before the barrier trial win, I’d actually bid before the trial and then when he came out and beat Ka Ying Rising hard held, I knew I was going to have to increase my budget because I really wanted him,’’ Blumberg said.
“It’s unbelievable to think I’ve now got a runner in The Everest and it’s all from a few clicks of a button. I find that incredible.
“I’ll actually be at Caulfield next Saturday because I have a share in Royal Supremacy with Ciaron Maher which is running in the Caulfield Cup the same day but the beauty of Ninja is there’s a good chance he’ll go to the Golden Eagle after the Everest so it will be a $20m race followed by a $10m race – even for my 1% that could be a very nice pay day.
“I found Inglis Digital brilliant, [Credit and Collections Manager] Michael [Ng] especially was unbelievably helpful, I just found it amazing how easy it all was and how much information was available. As soon as I was no longer the top bidder I would receive a text message and all I had to do was click a link and I was back in front, it was that simple.’’
The Ninja share was offered by Gary Diamond, who was thrilled with the result.
“I’m so happy,’’ Diamond said.
“Even though it’s a lot of money for a 1% share in a gelding, in a way the final price doesn’t surprise me at the same time because a lot of people want a share in a G1 horse, the Everest is becoming the most popular race in Australia and it’s a small percentage so it’s more affordable,’’ Diamond said.
“Yesterday’s trial obviously couldn’t have come at a better time but the marketing done by the Inglis team was amazing. When I saw the video you did of him, I thought I should increase the reserve or withdraw the entry because it even got me excited!
“Hand on heart, I hope the horse wins The Everest for the new owner and one thing I’ve learned the past few days is I now know I can see myself doing more of this, selling shares with Inglis Digital down the track with the right horse.’’
Today’s overall top lot was the Chris Waller-trained, Coolmore-offered Defensemen, which sold to We Bloodstock for $200,000.
It was a first Inglis Digital purchase for We Bloodstock, for which a spokesperson confirmed Defensemen would spell in Australia before a decision is made on whether or not the horse would then be transported up to Hong Kong to continue his racing career.
Coolmore’s Brian McGuire said: “We’re happy with this result, we had a lot of interest in the horse and as always, the process with Inglis Digital is very smooth.
“It’s a big part of our business, selling colts and geldings, and we have sold some quality horses via Inglis Digital such as G1 winner Caballus.
“We wish the purchaser the best of luck, I believe he could be destined for Hong Kong where we have sold the likes of Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat, an Inglis Easter graduate.’’
Among plenty of other strong results in the October (Early) Sale were Bogey Free ($190,000 to Eclipse Holdings) as well as a 5% share in 3YO filly Cherry Bomshell, which sold to ML Thoroughbreds’ Jo Borg for $60,000.
Borg purchased a 2.5% share in Decorum in the September (Late) Online Sale and the 4YO won at Rosehill three days later so Borg thought she would reinvest, this time in the Archibald Racing-trained Cherry Bomshell.
“I fell in love with the name,’’ Borg said.
“If she keeps going on an upward trajectory and wins another black type race, she will be a more valuable broodmare.
“I’m still on a high from Decorum’s win, it was awesome, so when I saw the Cherry Bomshell share come online, I just couldn’t help myself!’’
In total the October (Early) Sale grossed $2,178,050.
Entries are now open for the Inglis Digital October (Late) Sale, which will run from October 16-21.
Confirmed for the catalogue is the Chris Waller-trained 3YO colt Confederation (Wootton Bassett), already twice Group placed – at both two and three – from just five career starts.
On Confederation, McGuire added: “Still very lightly raced, Confederation is a talented horse with good form who should appeal to buyers both domestically and internationally.’’
Entries for the October (Late) Sale close at midnight next Wednesday, October 14.
To enter CLICK HERE.
