Amo Racing principal Kia Joorabchian picked up where he left off at Book 1 with the 2.5 million-guinea (US$3,350,000, 1 guinea= US$1.34) acquisition of a Frankel sister to Chaldean during a dramatic evening's session of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale Nov. 29.
Whitsbury Manor Stud's filly had been widely expected to prove the headline act of the four-day sale, and auctioneer Alastair Pim ensured proceedings passed with a degree of comedy as well as seven-figure theatrics.
The man with the gavel went in search of an opening bid of 3 million guineas and proceedings never dipped below seven-figure territory as Philipp Stauffenberg, standing at the back of a packed entranceway, got the ball rolling at 1 million guineas with a wave of his catalogue.
Richard Brown was also involved in cutting out the early running before the bidding became a straight joust between team Amo Racing, standing in their now familiar position in the bidders' area, and trainer Paddy Twomey, taking instructions on the phone by the far exit.
"She need never look through a bridle," said Pim as the price continued to climb. "All she needs is a pair of covering boots!"
Twomey delivered the raise to 2.4 million guineas, at which point Joorabchian appeared to be feeling the pinch.
"You've rarely let me down before," Pim said looking directly at the Amo man. "This isn't the time to start!"
After laughing off the auctioneer's quip, Joorabchian picked up the phone and seemingly called for back-up. After a long and expectant pause, Joorabchian struck the telling bid.
The filly's price equals the European record set in 1997 when Satish Sanan, bidding through BBA Ireland, landed Padua's Pride, a full brother to dual Derby winner Generous.
