€2.3 Million Wootton Bassett Colt Stars At Arqana

Wootton Bassett was responsible for two of the top three highest priced lots on the second day of the Arqana August Sale, headed by the session-topping €2.3 million colt out of High Celebrity.

The yearling was consigned by Haras des Capucines and became the first seven-figure lot of the auction when selling to MV Magnier and White Birch Farm.

He is out of the Group-winning Invincible Spirit mare High Celebrity, the dam of two black-type performers including Group 2 Queen’s Vase runner-up Highbury (by Galileo). His page traces back to American Grade 1 scorers Surfside and Flanders.

Magnier said: “He’s a lovely horse and Wootton Bassett is doing very well.

“We had his brother in Ballydoyle and he was nearly a very good horse. All the guys really liked this fella and Wootton Bassett is flying at the moment. In fairness to Mr Dubois and everyone involved, they’ve always been a big supporter of ours and are very good breeders. Michel Zerolo [Capucines director] was always praising this horse a lot, so let’s hope he’s good.

“He’s a very nice horse by Wootton Bassett bred by one of the best breeders in France. It’s a lot of money, I appreciate that, but he’s a good horse and Wootton Bassett is breaking all the rules at the moment. The boss man is here and it was his call.”

The seven-figure colt was preceded into the ring by another son of Wootton Bassett, this one consigned by Haras d’Etreham. The well-related bay duly sold to Godolphin for €900,000.

Anthony Stroud said: “The stallion speaks for himself. He’s done very well and is a top-class sire who’s very versatile.”

The colt is out of the Dark Angel mare Hidden Breeze, a sister to the Group-winning Lily’s Angel and a half-sister to the Grade 1-placed Listed scorer Labeling. It is the further family of Group 1 winners Call The Wind, Friendly Soul, With You and We Are.