Petrushka was bought as a yearling for IR110,000 guineas. She was trained by Michael Stoute.
Petrushka, whose retirement from racing was announced June 14, has been sold to Darley Stud by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing for an amount said to be in excess of $5 million. The exact price was not disclosed.The price paid for 4-year-old Petrushka (Unfuwain -- Ballet Shoes, by Ela-Mana-Mou), last year's champion three-year-old filly in England, is higher than the record for a broodmare prospect or filly in training sold at public auction. The highest auction price is $4.6 million, achieved twice, by Myhrr in 2000 and Open Mind in 1989, both at Keeneland's November sale.The highest public auction price for a broodmare sold in foal is $7 million for both Korveya and Miss Oceana."Darley is absolutely delighted to own a filly of this exceptional caliber," John Ferguson said. "It is very unusual for a filly to become available who has such a superb race record, pedigree and charisma -- she is a queen.""From the moment that John Warren bought her, she always looked a very special filly and we will recall her career with the fondest memories." Harry Herbert, managing director of Highclere, said. "Her win in the Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks (Ire-I) was perhaps the highlight for me as she became the first syndicate-owned Classic winner."Petrushka suffered a strain to her right fore tendon while running in the group I Vodafone Coronation Cup (Ire-I) at Epsom on June 8. She won her only race at two and last year at three won three consecutive group I victories: the Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks at the Curragh, the Aston Upthorpe Yorkshire Oaks at York and the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp.