Grocer Jack heads Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale

The four-year-old son of Oasis Dream was purchased for 700,000gns yesterday, the highest priced lot so far after two days of the sale.

Taken from the European Bloodstock News, 27th October 2021, by Carl Evans:

Germany’s Ronald Rauscher brought just one horse to Tattersalls for this week’s Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale, but the outcome was a 700,000gns result that headed day two. The sale of four-year-old Grocer Jack (Lot 738) came amid
strong demand for horses with form in the book. Rauscher consigned Grocer Jack on behalf of owner-breeder Dr Christoph Berglar and, while he held the horse in high regard, he did not imagine such a thumping sum would decide his future.

The colt has won twice at Gr.3 level during the current season. That gave him obvious appeal, but an absorbing duel between Saudi Arabian representatives of Najd Stud’s Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Aziz and BBA Ireland’s Michael Donohoe created the sky-high valuation. Saad bin Mishraf, who had been bidding on behalf of Najd Stud, brought the hammer came down after a protracted battle with BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe.

Saad said of Grocer Jack: “With his current rating he will definitely be accepted for the Saudi Cup [at the end of February] and we believe he will act on the dirt. I thought we might get him for 400,000gns, but the underbidder probably had the same plan [Donohoe has been active for Saudi clients on other lots at this sale]. If he doesn’t run in the Saudi Cup there are other races to be won. Saudi Arabia is becoming an important part of international racing.”

Rauscher looked shocked when he said: “It exceeded expectations by a long margin and, although I felt he might make
between 300,000gns and 500,000gns if things went well, two people took each other on. He’s a very fluent mover and was in no way jarred, in fact he likes a fast surface, so he will get it where he’s going.