Brant Dominates Goffs Breeding Stock Sale

Lured by the blue-blooded offerings from the dispersal of the Wildenstein Stables, Peter Brant continued his return to Thoroughbred breeding and racing in a big way Nov. 18, with his White Birch Farm going to €1.6 million (US$1,700,639) to purchase Beauty Parlour at the Goffs November breeding stock sale.

Beauty Parlor won four races in France, including the 2012 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas, Fr-I). The 7-year-old daughter of Deep Impact is out of the stakes-winning Giant's Causeway   mare Bastet, a half sister to Australian champion Might and Power. Offered along with other Wildenstein horses by The Castlebridge Consignment, Beauty Parlour was sold in foal to Kingman.

In addition to the session-topper, Brant went to €675,000 ($717,457) to acquire Beauty Parlor's half sister, Blue Kimono (Invincible Spirit), in foal to Australia.

Brant's spending for the day totaled €5,210,000 ($5,537,707) for 10 mares, with his additional purchases including Amerique, a 7-year-old daughter of Galileo produced from the three-time group I winner Aquarelliste, in foal to Pivotal for €975,000 ($1,036,327).

A Connecticut newsprint company owner who is an art collector and owns a publishing company, Brant was a prominent breeder and owner who is returning to the industry after devoting time to his polo interests.

Thunder Gulch was among the best horses bred by Brant. The winner of the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Florida Derby, and Travers Stakes (all gr. I), Thunder Gulch went on to a distinguished career as a stallion. Brant also bred French group I winner Torrential and in partnership co-bred grade I winner Wallenda.

At one time the highest-rated amateur player in the U.S., Brant is the co-founder of the Greenwich Polo Club, the Saratoga Polo Association, and the Bridgehampton Polo Club. He also chairs Brant Publications and previously operated one of the largest newsprint companies in the U.S.

Bolstered by the Wildenstein dispersal, Goffs reported 216 mares were sold for turnover of €18,619,000 ($19,790,128 ), up 115% over a year ago. The average increased 98% to €86,199 ($91,621) and the median of €30,000 ($31,887) represented at 30% gain.

In addition to the Wildenstein offerings, the first day of the breeding stock sale also included a 72-horse lot of fillies and mares from Godolphin.

Topping the fillies was Mrs King, a Dubawi filly purchased for €350,000 ($372,015) on behalf of Maurice Regan of Newtown Anner Stud by Eamon Reilly of BBA Ireland. The winning 3-year-old filly is out of the multiple grade II winner and multiple grade I-placed mare Coretta.