Oratorio Colt Steals Show at Goffs
20th November 2008
World economic uncertainty hasn’t curbed the momentum of young stallion Oratorio (Ire) with a foal by the former champion racehorse the new sale topper at Ireland’s Goffs November Foal Sale after three days of trading.The bay colt from Janette Parkes stole the show with bidding moving quickly before stopping at €90,000 ($A176,500) when knocked down to Pier House Stud. The €90,000 price was a clear standout with the second highest foal sold over the three days changing hands for €60,000.
The high price is the latest encouraging result for Oratorio whose weanlings were among the most sought after in Australia in 2008. Belmont Bloodstock’s Damon Gabbedy was delighted to have won a heated duel to snare a colt for $310,000 at the Magic Millions National Sale, while at the Inglis Australian Weanling and Breeding Stock Sale Anton Koolman fought hard to claim a filly for $300,000.
The ongoing interest in Oratorio’s stock augurs well with his first crop Australian yearlings set to sell in 2009, starting at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale in January where 15 have been catalogued in sEssions One to Five..
“Oratorio has been very well received in both Australia and Europe to date with breeders sending him some of their best mares and good judges buying his foals,” said Coolmore Australia’s General Manager, Michael Kirwan today.
“The overnight result at Goffs only continues what has been an encouraging start for Oratorio and we certainly believe that momentum will continue into our yearling sales here. Oratorio covered a great book of mares and the reports on how well his yearlings are progressing coming into the sales season is highly encouraging.”
In 2006, Oratorio was one of Coolmore Australia’s most popular stallions with his book including the likes of:
Infinite Grace, a Group Two winner and half-sister to multiple group one winner Fields of Omagh
Group One winner Grillita
Rich Pageantry, a multiple stakes winner and dam of two stakes winners
Coquetry, dam of group winner Chong Tong
Stakes winner and Group One placegetter, Palm Beach
Rock Review, dam of Group Two Reisling Slipper Trial winner and Group One placegetter, Let’s Rock Again
Stakes winner Too Darn Hot
Foxy, dam of boom young gelding, The Astronomer
Mistress Lili, a half-sister to multiple Group One winner Defier