Godolphin's High-Priced Colt Victorious

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King's Consul, a son of Kingmambo purchased for $5.3 million as a yearling, broke his maiden at first asking on the Breeders' Cup eve race card at Belmont Park on Friday.

Part of Godolphin Racing's U.S. division trained by Eoin Harty, King's Consul was settled into third in the seven-furlong race as the early pace was set by Distinction, the top-priced colt at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale when purchased for $4.2 million. Ridden by David Flores as the even-money favorite, King's Consul assumed the lead rounding the turn and then held off a challenge from Marasca. Mighty Gulch was third as Distinction faded for be sixth in the nine horse field.

King's Consul completed the seven-eighths of a mile in 1:25.61 and paid $4.00, $3.50, and $2.70. Marasca returned $6.70 and $4.80, and Mighty Gulch was worth $3.60.

The colt was produced from the prolific broodmare Battle Creek Girl (by His Majesty and is a full brother to grade II winner Parade Ground and a half-brother to four stakes winners, including champion Wavering Girl.

Consigned by Lane's End as agent to the 2000 Keeneland September yearling sale, King's Consul was purchased by agent John Ferguson. Described by Ferguson as "the very best horse in the sale," King's Consul brought the sale's second-highest price.

"He is a very quality individual, an outstanding colt," Ferguson said after purchasing the colt. "He was Sheikh Mohammed's pick of the sale. He is a special colt, a great athlete."

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