Every new Flat racing season sees the fascination of a new crop of thoroughbreds. Although each generation of racehorses is restriced to a single Classic campaign, the year-round frenzy of buying bloodstock does see history repeat itself. Read on for more…

Back in July 1985, at Keeneland Sales, Lexington, Kentucky, a group of sombre-faced Irishmen accompanied by a high-rolling entourage headed by Robert Sangster lifted the already balmy bloodstock market to a new height when paying $13.1 million for a Northern Dancer colt subsequently named Seattle Dancer. The purchase - for which the billionaire Maktoum family of Dubai came off second best - was made on behalf of Coolmore, a stud operation just ten years old but already the largest and most internationally-aware outfit in thoroughbred breeding.

John Magnier, the principal of Coolmore, had outlined his plans for the stud in a rare interview in the 1970’s.

Share This