LEVIATHAN Kiwi buyer David Ellis left an indelible mark on the 85th New Zealand Premier Yearling sale paying the top price of $875,000 for the Red Ransom half brother to this year’s champion NZ filly (elect) King’s Rose on the closing of the Karaka auction.
Ellis (aka Te Akau Racing Stables) once again proved a formidable rival for Australian visitors who were unable to match the locals massive war chest which has saw him secure 25 yearlings worth over $4.4 million.
Today’s haul was highlighted by the stunning colt by Vinery’s foundation stallion, Red Ransom, who recently delivered his 100th stakeswinner and is proving to be a valuable sire of sires. Now deceased, Red Ransom was second only to local favourite Zabeel on the sire’s averages with his NZ yearlings averaging $307,000.
“He is a terrific colt. He has an interesting pedigree and, given he performs on the track, would make a great stud prospect and would be a good match for New Zealand mares,” commented Ellis.
“We had to fight off David Hayes and Chris Waller, both astute judges in their own right, to secure the horse, but we are thrilled that he will be staying in New Zealand.”
The colt is the highest priced Red Ransom yearling (in real terms) sold since Onemorenomore made $800,000 at the 2008 Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
No doubt Ellis is hoping that today’s purchase can measure up with Onemorenomore who is Red Ransom’s only Group One winning 2YO and also as it would happen, a valued member of Vinery’s stallion roster.
This is now the second time that a Red Ransom colt has topped a major yearling sale.
A half brother to Cox Plate winner Savabeel sold for $1.55 million at the 2006 Magic Millions Yearling sale on the Gold Coast.
