Trade was more measured than at last week's foal sale and the 8,575,800 guineas aggregate fell just below last year's figures, although the 25,000 guineas median remained static and the 48,178 guineas average rose by 1%, but all three figures were well short of the records for the day.
Peinture Rose, a 3-year-old half-sister to Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) winner and Coolmore sire Peintre Celebre, topped the first breeding stock session of the Tattersalls December Sale in Newmarket yesterday when selling for 1-million guineas to French agent Frederic Sauque. The Storm Cat filly won the listed Prix Ceres at Saint-Cloud on Nov. 1 for owner Alec Wildenstein and trainer Elie Lellouche, and could continue her racing career in the U.S. after seeing off agents Gordian Troeller, acting for American racing interests, and finally Charlie Gordon-Watson, representing Stanley and Ira Gumberg's Skara Glen Stable. "She has been bought for a Swiss client but I can't say who it is," said Sauque. "There has been no decision on whether she will stay in training - -she could race in America -- or be retired to breed from. It was maybe a bit much money, we'll have to see."Last season's Irish Oaks (Ire-I) winner Margarula, in whom Wildenstein bought a half-share from trainer's wife Jackie Bolger after her classic success, was the day's other standout lot, bringing 825,000 guineas. James Wigan of London Thoroughbred Services outbid Lexington-based Richard Galpin for the 4-year-old, who is in foal to Sadler's Wells. A tight-lipped Wigan said: "I can't say very much other than she will be staying in England." Sun On The Sea, a listed-winning 3-year-old, could continue racing in the U.S. after Ger Morrin, representing Cathal Ryan's Swordlestown Stud, saw off Prince Faisal Salman for the filly at 250,000 guineas.
