Waikatobred mare Tofane sells for $A3.1m
WELLINGTON: Curraghmore principal Gordon Cunningham was on hand on the Gold Coast on Tuesday to watch Tofane, a product of his Waikato farm, sell for $A3.1 million ($NZ3.39 million) to the bid of Yulong Investments.
Cunningham bred the daughter of Ocean Park who went on to win eight of her 30 starts, four at group 1 level, and more than $A3.6 million in prize money.
‘‘It has been a great thrill to see her on the sale grounds,’’ Cunningham said.
‘‘She was beautifully presented and looked her magnificent self...
‘‘The result is a great credit to [trainers] Mike Moroney, Pam Gerard and all their team at Ballymore for all they achieved with her, and that she retired sound.’’
Cunningham said it was instinctual that he should put Tofane in work, rather than sell her as a yearling. ‘‘It is a game of chance. ‘‘I loved her pedigree and we have raised enough good horses to know that with a bit of luck she might be good. ‘‘When she showed good ability initially and attracted a lot of interest, I was delighted that she could be retained by Ballymore to race in the colours of Rupert Legh and give him and his friends so many incredible thrills over her long career. ‘‘New Zealand has always been regarded as a nursery for producing great racehorses and I am proud that it was acknowledged again here today.’’ The saletopper was Snitzel mare Away Game, also bought by Yulong, at $A4 million. She is likely to race this weekend in the group 1 KingsfordSmith Cup at Eagle Farm. Both Away Game and Tofane are likely to be served by Written Tycoon this spring. — NZ Racing Desk/agencies