Mare in foal to Dylan Thomas brings 180,000gns

17th July 2008

The first mare offered at public auction with a Dylan Thomas covering changed hands for 180,000gns at Tattersalls’ July Sale last week..

The 11-year-old Boast (11m Most Welcome-Bay Bay, by Bay Express) was offered by the Castlebridge Consignment having been covered by Dylan Thomas in April.

Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock was especially keen to get Boast, dam of the Danehill Dancer Listed winner Strut, but he eventually lost out to a newcomer to the breeding business, Lancashire businessman Mike Smith.

"We liked the look of her in the box and the Dylan Thomas cover was a factor," said Smith. "We’ve always been fans of racing and want to breed our own winners."

Dylan Thomas, who has attracted a superb first book of mares at Coolmore, was officially recognised in the 2007 World Thoroughbred Rankings as the best older middle-distance horse on the planet with a rating of 129.

He was also named Horse of The Year at the 2007 Cartier Racing Awards after a season that included victories in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, G1 Irish Champion Stakes and G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The six-time G1 winner was described by jockey Kieren Fallon as the best horse he has ever ridden.