Three of OTI’s ownership groups have, or will hopefully have, additional reason to celebrate following the conclusion of the May Broodmare Sales period later this week.
Earlier this month at Inglis’ Chairman’s Sale, the owners of Group 1 winning South African mare Under Your Spell recorded an exceptional result, selling her in foal to I Am Invincible for $1.2m. Having enjoyed watching her win in the Group 2 Hawaii Stakes, the sales ring result gave the owners additional bang for their buck. They deserved it, following a patient wait whilst moving the mare to Australia to commence her breeding career.
On Tuesday afternoon, the nerves of Lady Laguna and Femminile’s interested parties will intensify as the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale commences. Listed as ‘Racing and Breeding Propositions’, both of our Group 1 winners are sure to have plenty of admirers, with both future options open to prospective buyers. Indeed, in the case of Femminile, a potential run in the Queensland Derby just four days later adds additional intrigue.
The story of Lady Laguna is well found. Purchased out of the Spendthrift Stud paddock and publicly syndicated for what is considered a modest figure in racing parlance, Lady Laguna has taken all before her and her owners have enjoyed every step of the ride. She was Group-performed as a 2yo and again at 3 prior to her breakthrough, 4yo season. Wins at Magic Millions and in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes created memories for life. Despite continued elite performance into her five-year-old year, the time appears right for Lady Laguna to move into the next phase of her career as a broodmare. Ultimately, however, that is a decision for her new owners.
Femminile’s rise to such prominence has been far more accelerated. While she recorded a Listed victory as a two-year-old, she had raced well without luck for 12 months prior to again stepping into the winner’s circle, taking out the Group 1 SA Derby earlier in May. For owners, this was a somewhat unexpected thrill. Anticipating a track that was perhaps too firm for her, Femminile received the right run along the rail and, from Lachie Neindorf, the ride of the Autumn Carnival. In winning, Femminile made herself a most valuable racing and breeding proposition.
Pending action in the sales ring on Tuesday, it’s not out of the question that Femminile will again be seen in OTI colours. However, if it is to be that the filly is sold to outside interests, her owners will join Lady Laguna’s and Under Your Spell’s in having had the ultimate racing experience, blending Group racing success with a high-level financial return. That’s an experience we all dream of.