The 2024 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in Newmarket marked a new milestone in the world of horse racing, as Frankel, one of the most highly revered stallions in modern history, saw some of his progeny sell for eye-watering prices. Among the most notable was a Frankel filly that set the sale alight, fetching an astonishing 4.4 million guineas (£4.62m), making it the second-highest price ever paid for a yearling at a European auction.
The Record-Breaking Frankel Filly:
This exceptional filly, out of Group Two Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Aljazzi, was the undisputed star of Book One of the 2024 Tattersalls auction, held from October 8th to 10th. Her final hammer price of 4.4 million guineas positioned her as the second most expensive yearling ever sold in Europe, just behind the 5 million guineas paid for a Galileo filly in 2013.
The filly was purchased by Kia Joorabchian, the owner of Amo Racing, alongside bloodstock agent Alex Elliott, after a tense bidding war with Japanese trainer Mitsu Nakauchida. The decision to secure the Frankel filly was a strategic one for Joorabchian, whose Amo Racing has made significant waves in the racing world in recent years. Joorabchian’s team had recognized the filly’s immense potential from both a physical and pedigree perspective.
Alex Elliott, who was instrumental in purchasing the filly, explained the allure of the horse: “Kia and partners wanted the filly very badly. A Frankel filly from that family and with that physical make-up – she was always going to be a collector’s item.” Elliott was candid about the price, admitting that while he had discussed the filly at length, he did not expect her to surpass 4 million guineas. Yet, her quality and pedigree clearly spoke volumes to the major players in the room.
Julian Dollar, the consignor of the filly from Newsells Park Stud, also expressed his surprise at the final price. “To be honest, I was hoping she would make a million, and that would have been nice, but obviously some good players had her valued at twice that,” Dollar said. He praised both Joorabchian and Nakauchida, acknowledging the competition for such an exceptional yearling.
Amo Racing’s Significant Investment at Tattersalls:
This sale was not an isolated case of high spending for Amo Racing. The racing operation, led by Joorabchian, also set a new record for the most expensive colt sold during the Book One portion of the auction. A Wootton Bassett colt, also purchased by Amo Racing, fetched a price of 4.3 million guineas (£4.515m). This marked a new record for a colt in this prestigious part of the Tattersalls sale, reinforcing Amo Racing’s commitment to investing in top-tier bloodstock.
The colt, bred by Lodge Park Stud, was admired for his pedigree and physicality, with Jamie Burns of Lodge Park remarking on the family’s consistent success. Burns was visibly emotional when the final price surpassed 4 million guineas, a clear testament to the colt’s exceptional quality. Bloodstock agent Alex Elliott, who was also involved in the purchase, described the colt as “close to perfection” and likened him to the ideal racehorse.
Joorabchian was equally enthusiastic about the colt, highlighting the importance of targeting the best horses to elevate Amo Racing to the next level. “When we saw this colt, every member of my team said ‘We can’t leave without him,’” Joorabchian said.
Frankel’s Legacy and Amo Racing’s Ambitious Vision:
Frankel’s continued success at the sales is a reflection of his exceptional legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. The stallion, now based at Juddmonte Farms, has produced offspring who have gone on to achieve remarkable results on the track. His progeny’s success has not only enhanced his reputation as a sire but also made his offspring among the most coveted in the market.
For Kia Joorabchian and Amo Racing, purchasing such high-profile yearlings is part of a broader strategy to elevate the operation to new heights. With Joorabchian’s ambition and financial backing, Amo Racing is positioning itself as a major force in the racing world, targeting the finest stock to produce future champions.
In total, the 2024 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale saw 345 lots sold, bringing in a total turnover of 127.8 million guineas (£134.2 million), with an average price of 370,501 guineas (£389,026). The sale solidified the growing presence of Amo Racing and other high-net-worth buyers in the market for elite bloodstock.
As Frankel continues to dominate both the racetrack and the sales ring, his legacy is further cemented by the extraordinary prices his progeny command. The 2024 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale demonstrated the high regard in which Frankel and his offspring are held, with Joorabchian’s Amo Racing emerging as one of the key players in this elite arena.
Photo: JC 2024 (Newmarket)
Frankel is a name that resonates with racing fans and breeders alike, as his impact on the thoroughbred world extends far beyond his own racing career. This legendary racehorse, undefeated in 14 starts, has not only earned a place in history for his on-track dominance but has also proven to be an exceptional sire, producing some of the most exciting young horses in the sport today.