Uncle Mo Half to Fastnet Rock Tops Inglis Digital Sale

The Uncle Mo mare Piccadillies (AUS), a winning half sister to Coolmore's group 1-winning champion sire Fastnet Rock (AUS), was the headline act of Inglis' (Late) March Online Sale when selling to Irish-based Marlhill House Stud for $300,000 (US$195,990, AU$1=US$0.65) March 27. Offered in foal to Coolmore shuttler St Mark's Basilica (FR), 10-year-old Piccadillies has produced four foals to date, with a 2022 filly by Pierro (AUS) the most recent. Speaking on behalf of the Marlhill team, Coolmore's John Kennedy said: "Piccadillies' family is very well known and very dear to the hearts of Eddie and Eimear Irwin of Marlhill House, given they're partners in Fastnet Rock. "They're also very fond of St Mark's Basilica, having a weanling half sister to Storm Boy by the stallion so they're delighted to be able to acquire a mare in foal to him via Inglis Digital today.'' Second-highest price went to Marie Yoshida, who purchased Armed Forces (AUS) for AU$275,000 (US$179,658), doing her bidding while on a flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles. While still a maiden, the son of I Am Invincible (AUS) out of Royal Missile (AUS), by Smart Missile (AUS), has been placed at group 2 level and will now continue his racing career in Hong Kong. "The (Hong Kong Jockey Club) handicapper gave him a minimum PP Rating of 63. He's a 3-year-old gelding, he's ready to go, it was a no brainer for us,'' Yoshida said. "The (Randwick Equine Center) was amazing in helping us get the vet reports, etc. … ahead of the sale, and the Chris Waller team provided vital information too; they were fantastic to deal with so the whole experience has really been wonderful.'' Coolmore's Kennedy added: "There was very strong domestic and international interest in Armed Forces. "Marie Yoshida has purchased him for a new ownership group based out of Hong Kong. We feel this horse is in the same mold as (former Coolmore horses offered via Inglis Digital) Caballus and Zarastro and will be highly competitive in his new environment.'' It was a successful auction for Coolmore, who offered, outright or with partners, the top six lots to sell in the sale. The (Late) March Digital Sale saw nine horses realize AU$100,000 or more. From a catalog of 402, there were 289 lots sold (73%), with 109 (27%) bought back. Total sales were AU$3,969,150 (US$2,593,046). Average price was AU$13,734 (US$8,972), and the median was AU$3,750 (US$2,450).