Horsemen have been quick to respond to Thursday’s announcement from Coolmore,
which will hold an auction for a nomination to every one
of their stallions and give all the proceeds to the International Red Cross to
aid their efforts in helping
the victims of the Indian Ocean disaster. Offers have already reached or topped
the 2005 live foal fees for several Coolmore stallions.
Peter Reynolds of Ballymacoll Stud in Ireland raised the bidding on Golan (Ire) to 25,000, which
is 15,000 over his fee for next season. John Deer of Fawley Stud in Britain
matched the stud fees on Montjeu (Ire) ( 45,000) and Johannesburg (30,000),
while Eddie O’Leary of Lynn Lodge Stud in Ireland has come in with an offer of
20,000 for One Cool Cat, who will stand for 17,500 next season. Japan Bloodstock
also provided one of the highlights on the opening day of bidding, going to
10,000, his 2005 fee, for Statue of Liberty.
“The auction got off to a great start despite it being New Year’s Eve ,” Coolmore Stud Manager Christy Grassick
said. “We have already received many calls
from throughout the world, and our lines will remain open despite the holiday
period. The Red Cross are doing superb work in very difficult conditions–so
please call us.”
Bidding closes on January 11, the opening day of the Keeneland January
Sale.