| Outstanding sprinting mare Espiona has left connections celebrating a magnificent ownership result after selling for $4.15 million at a special Standalone Virtual Sale from the Gold Coast today. |
| Offered for her Star Thoroughbreds syndication group by Glenesk Thoroughbreds, where she was based during the auction, Espiona attracted intense interest from online and phone bidders before being purchased by Zhijun Zhao. “We are elated,” an emotional Denise Martin said moments after the sale. “We were hoping for $3 million but to get $4.15 million is beyond our expectations.” “We had 10 of her ownership group together in Sydney along with trainer Chris Waller to watch the sale and it was just amazing. I don’t think any will be heading back to work or home soon!” Martin purchased Espiona for $190,000 in conjunction with Randwick Bloodstock Agency at the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale when offered by Torryburn Stud. She earned over $3.3 million on the track and was a Group One winner of the Coolmore Classic when defeating Pride of Jenni – one of 28 individual elite level winners she defeated on the track. “I’m just elated for the team. Chris (Waller) did a remarkable job with her – I’m elated also for Brett Howard and the amazing team of owners who have been with Star for a long time.” “It was really special – just spectacular.” “I can’t thank the Magic Millions team enough for their incredible promotion of the mare and to help us achieve the most remarkable price. From the moment it was decided to retire Espiona it has been a wonderful experience for connections. I couldn’t be happier.” “The virtual sale was a wonderful opportunity to market a special mare to the world and it’s been a great success. We are so, so pleased.” Trainer Chris Waller the proudest man watching the online sale from the Sydney event for connections. “I’m over the moon for Denise, Star Thoroughbreds, the owners – it’s just amazing,” Waller said. “It was a fitting result for the horse that she was.” “She had everything that the breeders want. She had performance, she has the pedigree and the type and that’s what Star Thoroughbreds buy.” “It’s a bitter sweet moment, but she won’t be lost to the industry and now we can go back to Magic Millions and buy some more Espionas,” Waller added. The sale of Espiona, following that of Imperatriz (for $6.6 million) in a virtual capacity, highlighted the potential outcomes with a sale process that incorporates the expertise of a live auctioneer and the excitement of bidding. “We are so thrilled for Denise Martin and her ownership group,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “The mare was a sensation on the track and we now hope she can do likewise at stud for her new connections.” “This auction has shone a light on the Virtual Sale process and the opportunity is now there for connections of other horses to join a similar sale on August 27.” “Entries for that sale are closing very soon so we encourage people to get online or speak to a team member and not miss a great opportunity on the eve of the breeding season,” Bowditch added. |
