War Front colt storms to the top at Craven sale

TRADE stepped up a gear at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale on Thursday with the second and final session topped by a strapping son of War Front, who was knocked down to Alex Elliott for 850,000gns.

The sale-topper is the second most expensive lot to ever sell at the auction, following another War Front colt who sold for 1,150,000gns in 2014. Like last year's top lot, yesterday's star attraction will be raced by the Coolmore team.

"He's been bought in partnership between Jamie McCalmont and myself for Michael Tabor and the Coolmore partners," said Elliott. "He could go back to race in the US or stay in Europe.

"I was in the States when The Factor, another son of War Front, was winning and this colt is the closest thing I've seen to him. He was an absolute standout and did a great breeze."

The colt was knocked down to Willie Browne's Mocklershill for $400,000 at the Keeneland September Sale last year. He is a half-brother to 2008 Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes winner Mani Bhavan as well as Grade 2 winner Hear The Ghost. His dam, Rehear, won at two and is related to Speightstown.

"You'd have to be delighted with that," said Browne. "He cost plenty to start with but he's worked out. He's a very fast horse and I'd be disappointed if he wasn't good as he's trained great and has a good mind. He's pleased me all the way through."