The
only yearling by young sire sensation Starspangledbanner entered on the first day
of the Doncaster Bloodstock Yearling Sale topped the opening session overnight
in the UK when secured by David Redvers on behalf of Qatar Racing for £230,000.
Qatar Racing enjoyed Group I success over the weekend with Starspangledbanner
when their unbeaten colt The Wow Signal took out the Prix Morny at Deauville.
"He was the standout of the sale," said Redvers, who outbid the Hong
Kong Jockey Club.
"They're not making many Starspangledbanners and this was a colt with
great presence and action as well as a good page."
The much admired colt (pictured courtesy Doncaster Bloodstock) is the first foal out of Ultimate Best, a placed half-sister
by King's Best to Group III winner Barney McGrew and stakes-winners National
Park and Film Script.
Consigned by Castletown Quarry Stud, the grey colt was a successful pinhook
having been bought by Peter Parkhill and Eoin Banville for just 13,000gns at
Tattersalls last year.
Fully booked at Rosemont Stud this spring, Starspangledbanner has one more colt to be offered at this sale in the second
session.