Vinery Stud sire Star Turn upped the ante once again when his Group 1-winning mare Startantes returning a record-breaking $1.15million at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale on Thursday.
Startantes (5m Star Turn – Funtantes by Easy Rocking) was bred by Eagle Farm trainer Robert Heathcote and his wife Vicky and they raced her in a syndicate that included close friends Rob Ciobo and Bruce Harry. She’s a third-generation winner nurtured by the Heathcotes and her likely first cover will be to Champion stallion Zoustar.
Startantes earned $938,700 from 6 wins topped by the BRC Tatt’s Tiara (Gr.1, 1400m) when coming from last of 17 starters at the half-time to cut down multiple Group 1 winner Snapdancer (Choisir). “She’s worth a few bob now!” Heathcote correctly predicted back in the enclosure. “She’s very special and there’s not much of her but she’s got a big heart and massive will to win.”
Heathcote and the mare’s connections celebrated again on a night when the Chairman’s Sale turnover reached an unprecedented $35.3 million for 59 top-flight lots at Riverside Stables. “We’re thrilled with that result and we’ve still got so much of this family at home,” he said. “Startantes has a yearling full-brother by Star Turn down at Washpool Lodge and they’ve just sent us pictures of him being broken in.”
Their dam Funtantes won a BRC Champagne Classic (Gr.2 1200m) and she has two younger half-sisters that have also been covered by Star Turn. Alle Vongole (Falvelon) has a yearling filly by him and Bellissimi Amici (Rothesay) a filly foal.
Star Turn’s prior PB at public auction was $825,000 for the colt from Commonwealth (Foxwedge) at the NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka in November. That was a record price for a 2yo in the Southern Hemisphere. Subsequently named Megastar Heart, he has been nominated for Warwick Farm this Wednesday by trainer Annabel Neasham.
A half-dozen mares in foal to Star Turn will be offered at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale from Tuesday, 28 May to Thursday, 30 May. There are two on account of Vinery at the Gold Coast; Lot 1030 – What’s New (Casino Prince) and Lot 869 – Modele (More Than Ready).
Star Turn will stand for $27,500 (inc GST) again this year with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
