Magnificent Trip, a son of Trippi, commanded 1.7 million rand ($213,368 in U.S. funds) Jan. 26 to top the opening session of Book 1 of Cape Thoroughbred Sales’ Cape Premier yearling auction in South Africa. Form Bloodstock purchased the bay colt from Highlands Farm Stud, agent.
Produced from the winning Coronado’s Quest mare Destination Mars, Magnificent Trip is a half brother to the winner Mighty Mars (by Spectrum). Other family members include champion Pleasant Stage.
A 15-year-old son of End Sweep, Trippi captured the Vosburgh Stakes (gr. I) and four other graded events in 2000. He entered stud at Ocala Stud in Florida and remained there until 2008, when he was sold to stand in South Africa. Trippi was the Sunshine State’s leading sire that year. He has sired more than 30 added-money winners, including 2010 Spinaway Stakes (gr. I) winner R Heat Lightning.
A Tapit – Banshee Girl filly named Tapdance and a Silvano – Inspired colt named Inca Silver each brought the opening session’s second-highest price of 1.5 million rand ($188,266). John Freeman purchased Tapdance, whose sire stands at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky, from the Highlands consignment. Mayfair Speculators bought Inca Silver from Main Chance Farms.
Both Gainesway and Highlands are operated by the family of the late Graham Beck.
