Multiple Group-winning mare Olentia was the star of the Magic Millions Virtual Sale on Tuesday when going the way of Olly Tait's Twin Hills Stud for A$2.6 million. Tait later confirmed that the daughter of Zoustar was bought on behalf of Wathnan Racing as a broodmare prospect.
Offered by Glenesk Thoroughbreds on behalf of Star Thoroughbreds, the six-year-old half-sister to Group 3 winner Wandabaa (Wandjina) and dual Listed winner Malkovich (Choisir) accrued just shy of A$1 million in prize-money over a 23-start career under the steerage of Chris Waller, with her seven wins including the G2 Emancipation Stakes. She most recently finished third in the G1 Tattersall's Tiara.
Denise Martin and Star Thoroughbreds had a similarly stellar result at last year's edition of the sale when selling G1 Coolmore Classic winner Espiona (Extreme Choice) for A$4.15 million to Yulong. The winner of over A$3.3 million on the track, Espiona is currently in foal to Yulong resident Pierata.
“We had a reserve on her of A$2 million, as we thought that was a good starting point for her,” Martin said of Olentia. “We hoped that she would fetch a little more than that and, when the sale price was knocked down as A$2.6 million, we were elated.
“I think it's correct to say we are especially elated that Olly Tait bought her because he's an internationally renowned judge of high-quality bloodstock. It was thrilling for us to know that he loved her and wanted to buy her.”
She added, “I'm not sure if we can do this every year. But two years in a row with excellent results for our well-performed mares under the care of Chris and his team has just enabled us to have two very good sales to look back on now and to reflect on the success of the horses in their race careers. It was a great result and I'm thrilled she is going to a wonderful home.”
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