Shamardal leads the way again

Shamardal saw out 2009 as champion first-season sire in Europe with an Oaks-winning filly to his name in Australia. The start of 2011 has heralded yet more winners, including a second Group One victory for Faint Perfume and this success has no doubt further increased his appeal in the sales ring.

Day one of Europe’s premier two-year-old auction, the Tattersalls Craven breeze-up sale, saw a Shamardal colt top the session, selling for 210,000gns to Dwayne Woods on behalf of Andrew Tinkler. The Kilminfoyle House Stud-consigned colt is a grandson of G2 Flying Childers winner Land Of Dreams, from her Fantastic Light daughter Dream Shared.

The second highest price of the day was given for a son of another exciting young Darley stallion Medaglia d'Oro, who is about to shuttle from his base in Kentucky to Darley Australia for the southern hemisphere season. Agent John McCormack went to 200,000gns for the March-foaled colt out of the Gone West mare Western Dreamer, herself a Stakes-winning two-year-old in the US.

Also among the top ten lots was a colt by Dubawi out of Savannah Belle (Green Desert), another Tinkler purchase at 160,000gns from the Mocklershill draft. The sale continues on Thursday.