Zoustar filly tops first day of sale

RACING

WELLINGTON: International buyers might have been absent at Karaka for the national yearling sale this week, but Te Akau racing operation principal David Ellis has ensured there is an international flavour.

The leading buyer was given instructions to purchase the best filly on the complex by Coolmore principal John Magnier, and he believes he did just that when securing lot 94, a Zoustar filly out of group 1 performer Scintillula, from Pencarrow Stud’s draft, for $800,000 yesterday.

‘‘John Magnier, who owns Coolmore Stud, said that he wanted to support Karaka this year and he wanted to take a share in my best filly,’’ Ellis said.

Although Te Akau has trained for Magnier in the past, it was the first time the Australian had partnered with Ellis at the sale.

‘‘He has got a goodsized share in the Zoustar filly with Te Akau as we thought that she was the best horse in the sale,’’ Ellis said.

Coolmore Stud stands group 1producing sire Fastnet Rock.

Ellis said Magnier has been impressed with the deeds of Fastnet Rock’s group 1winning daughter Avantage, who is trained by Te Akau’s Jamie Richards.

‘‘I think the Magnier family have been very impressed with the job we have done with Avantage, who has won more group 1s than any other Fastnet Rock,’’ Ellis said.

Further international flavour will be added to the filly’s ownership, with Ellis confirming a Hong Kong client will take a 50% share.

‘‘There is only a quarter left and that will sell very quickly.’’

Ellis was prepared to extend further than he did in order to secure her.

‘‘It is very seldom that you see a filly at Karaka with her pedigree and as good an athlete as she is.

‘‘We thought we would have to go to $1 million to buy her.’’

Ellis had expected her to be the salestopping filly and was ‘‘as nice a filly as we have bought,’’ he said.

Pencarrow Stud ganager Leon Casey said the filly received a lot of attention and he anticipated a strong result.

‘‘She is a topclass filly in every way,’’ he said.

‘‘We had lots of interest from many good judges, including many New Zealanders as underbidders.’’ — NZ Racing Desk

PHOTO: TRISH DUNELL Headline horse . . . Lot 94, a filly by Zoustar, goes through the ring at the national sale of thoroughbred yearlings at Karaka yesterday. She was bought by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $800,000.