Sacred Falls colt tops opening RTR session

Late Waikato Stud stallion Sacred Falls earned further posthumous honours when his son topped the opening session of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale.

The colt sold for $525,000 after Cambridge horseman Finbarr Leahy had purchased him 10 months ago out of breeder Cambridge Stud’s yearling draft for $80,000 and re-offered him through Riversley Park’s consignment.

Matamata trainer Graham Richardson signed the docket on behalf of an undisclosed Hong Kong buyer for Wednesday’s sale-topper.

“It’s unbelievable and I never thought he would get that,” Leahy said. “I knew he was popular and the bidding was creeping up and I thought where is this going? It was just fantastic and it’s going to take a while to sink in, it’s life-changing.

“I had hoped he might get $300,000 as he was in and out of his box an awful lot. I knew lots of people were on him in the ring and then I just didn’t know where it was going to end.

“It’s a big thanks to Riversley Park, they do a great job and are a great team and it all adds up, that’s why they always do well at these sales.”

A half-brother to the Listed Castletown S. winner Stella Di Paco, the son of Sacred Falls is out of Savabeel Star and she is a half-sister to the G3 Hawke’s Bay Guineas winner Stardane.

“He was bought for a very private client from Hong Kong. Sacred Falls is flying and it’s a shame that he’s passed, they are nice, athletic horses,” said Richardson.

“I’m absolutely chuffed for New Zealand Bloodstock and the vendors. I love buying horses at this Sale and have done for years and had a lot of luck. There’s always a horse here for everyone.”