Casamento colt tops opening session at DBS

A hugely successful start to the sales season continued apace for the Darley stallions at Doncaster on 25 August, when the first progeny of Casamento – undoubtedly the success story of last year’s foal sales – proved even more popular with the son of Shamardal topping the first day of trading.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club went to £200,000 to secure Casamento’s son out of Three Times (Bahamian Bounty), a half-sister to Stakes winner and Black type producer Trinity Joy who is from the family of The Queen's smart performer and Darley Australia stallion Carlton House. He was consigned by Yeomanstown Stud, who purchased him for €105,000 at Goffs November Sale last year.

Later in the day, Peter and Ross Doyle gave £80,000 for Whatton Manor Stud’s colt out of Zaynaba. The mare is a half-sister to two Stakes winners in Zand and Zanughan.

Each of the nine lots by Casamento offered for sale on Tuesday found new homes and averaged over £55,000 (€75,000) – a superb return on his covering fee of €5,000.

There was also success for fellow first-season sire Helmet, whose filly out of The Terrier (dam of Dutch Masterpiece) sold to Brown Island Stables for £50,000. She was bred by Bumble Mitchell.

The sale continues today.