11 minute read
A superb incentive
£4.5 MILLION and counting
Tom Peacock looks at the latest beneficiaries of the extraordinarily successful £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus scheme
At the time of going to press, Tattersalls has paid out some 182 Book 1 Bonuses – that’s a total of more than £4.5 million invested back into the industry since the scheme was launched by Tattersalls during its 250th anniversary three years ago.
For a one-off payment of £1,500, it allows any yearling catalogued in Book 1, including those which are bought in, unsold, or withdrawn and re-offered at the December Yearling Sale, to scoop the dividend from more than 300 maiden and novice races in Britain and Ireland between the end of March and early November. It is not purely the domain of the six- or seven-figure purchases; indeed around a third of those successful up to the end of 2018 had cost 100,000 guineas or less. They have been a regular reward for trainer Mark Johnston, who got the ball rolling again at the start of this season with 62,000 gns buy Xcelente.
The theme has continued this year. Johnston’s Ascot novice winner, Kingbrook (pictured), was snapped up for just 22,000 gns at last year’s sale, and there are plenty of examples this season of Book 1 Bonus winners who graduated through the sale for 100,000 gns, or less.
Kia Joorabchian
Repartee Maxi Boy Alex Elliott
The Bonuses can also make a significant difference to the successful running of syndicates and racing clubs – two areas of ownership growth in Britain and Ireland.
“To see so many syndicates and smaller owners winning Book 1 Bonuses has been almost as rewarding for us, as it has been for them,” says Tattersalls Marketing Director, Jimmy George.
Highclere Thoroughbreds has won two Tattersalls Book 1 Bonuses this season with Ascension and Byline (following on from Elation in 2017), while the likes of Nick Bradley Racing (Frankel’s Storm), Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds (Persian Moon in 2018) and Middleham Park Racing (Ventura Royal in 2017) have all enjoyed Bonus success for their shareholders and members.
The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale is always a melting pot of international investment and a fascinating buyer last year was Iranian-born Kia Joorabchian, one of the most influential football agents in the world. He owns horses under the banner of Amo Racing and bloodstock agent Alex Elliott, acting on his behalf, acquired the Oasis Dream colt Maxi Boy and sent him into training with Michael Bell.
The 380,000 gns purchase got off the mark at the first attempt to lift a Tattersalls Book 1 Bonus at Yarmouth in May and went on to be beaten only three and three-quarter lengths in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“We were looking for Royal Ascot horses and he was a standout for us,” says Elliott.
Frankel’s Storm
“The Book 1 Bonus is a superb incentive for any buyer and is something that is greatly appreciated by all connected to the horse. The dividend goes a long way towards paying for the year’s training fees, which always leaves a super taste in the mouth too! Maxi Boy has already provided us with some noteworthy days out and we are looking forward to many more.”
Even more prominent at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 has been Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, and his patronage was rewarded by a string of smart-looking prospects, each recouping £25,000 of their initial outlay. The owner bought perhaps his best-known horse to date, the globe-trotting King George and Juddmonte International star Postponed, from the event in 2012 and he has regularly been back in force.
The Sheikh’s purchases to come up trumps this year included Ballyphilip Stud’s Pierre Lapin, a half-brother to top-level sprinter Harry Angel, who impressed at Haydock having been knocked down to trainer Roger Varian.
His rewards for teaming up with Yorkshire-based trainer Kevin Ryan and bloodstock agent Stephen Hillen have been even more remarkable. Repartee, a close relative to outstanding racehorse and stallion Kingman, struck a notable blow for the combination at the York Dante meeting while Siyouni filly Rhea netted another £25,000 on the same afternoon at Haydock where Pierre Lapin had appeared so exciting. The Lancashire track continued to prove fertile ground a fortnight later as Frankel newcomer Juan Elcano shed his maiden tag in the same yellow and black livery. Ascension
“It’s hugely appreciated by everyone in racing,” says Hillen. “I have spoken to Sheikh Obaid and I know that he’s appreciative of it too.”
“You can find a horse for 60,000 gns there but to have the backing of someone like Sheikh Obaid is huge for us, especially as there are so many horses that you’d like to buy.”
“We were able to buy quite a few for him at Book 1, and it was great to see a few of them win their Bonus so quickly and look like nice prospects. You are winning a lot back from a maiden, and hopefully there will be plenty more to come.”
Claiming one of these prizes is only the start for some on the road to Gr.1 glory, which was managed by dual Group 1 winner Japan, who won both the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris and Juddmonte International Stakes, earlier this year. Those making the annual pilgrimage to Tattersalls this October will dream of unearthing another one as good as him, as well as winning a £25,000 Book 1 Bonus on the way.
Fred
BOOK 1 BONUS WINNERS PURCHASED FOR 100,000 GNS OR LESS
HORSE
Global Applause (GB) Kilmah (GB) Mistime (IRE) Poet's Princess (GB) Star Of Rory (IRE) Velveteen (GB) Shozita (GB) Drochaid (GB) Our Boy (IRE) Peak Princess (IRE) Cristal Fizz (IRE) Glencadam Glory (GB) Warrior's Spirit (IRE) Raven's Lady (GB) Contrapposto (IRE) Gulliver (GB) Eldritch (IRE) Omeros (GB) Cuttin' Edge (IRE) Zap (GB) Klosters (IRE) Lynn's Memory (GB) Nyaleti (IRE) Invincible Army (IRE) Billy Dylan (IRE) Haddaf (IRE) Poet's Prince (GB) Rhosneigr (IRE) Crossing The Line (GB) Elation (IRE) White Mocha (USA) Shepherd Market (IRE) Orange Suit (IRE) Ventura Royal (IRE) House Edge (IRE) Ace Ventura (GB) Kodiac Express (IRE) Istanbul Sultan (IRE) Lady Of Shalott (GB) Main Edition (IRE) Hesslewood (IRE) Persian Moon (IRE) Dutch Treat (GB) Dashing Willoughby (GB) Swift And Sure (IRE) Name The Wind (GB) Ya Hala (IRE) Senza Limiti (IRE) Red October (IRE) Xcelente (GB) Misty Grey (IRE) Kingbrook (GB) Hector Loza (GB) Bodyline (IRE) Final Option (GB) With Promise (GB) Camorra (IRE) Powerful Breeze (GB) Star In The Making (GB)
TRAINER
Ed Dunlop Mark Johnston Mark Johnston Hughie Morrison Tom Dascombe Ger Lyons Ralph Beckett Andrew Balding David Evans Richard Hannon William Haggas John Gosden Richard Hannon Marco Botti David Menusieur Hugo Palmer John Gosden Hugo Palmer William Muir R Fahey Roger Charlton Joseph O'Brien Mark Johnston James Tate Richard Hannon James Tate Mark Johnston Charlie Hills Andrew Balding Roger Varian Hugo Palmer Clive Cox Richard Hannon David O'Meara Michael Bell Roger Varian Mike Murphy William Haggas David Simcock Mark Johnston James Bethall Mark Johnston Andrew Balding Andrew Balding Clive Cox James Tate Charlie Appleby William Haggas Hugo Palmer Mark Johnston Mark Johnston Mark Johnston Simon Dow Sir Mark Prescott William Muir David Lanigan Ger Lyons Hugo Palmer Clive Cox
OWNER
Dr Johnny Hon Abdulla Al Mansoori J M Brown Paul Brocklehurst Derek Passant and Hefin Williams Qatar Racing Thurloe Thoroughbreds Mick and Janice Mariscotti Walters Plant Hire, Spiers and Hartwell Rockcliffe Stud Roberts Green Whittall-Williams Savidge Angus Dundee Distillers plc Pineapple Stud, Amanda Turner & Partner Heart of the South Racing and Partner Clive Washbourn Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar George Strawb ridge Chris Humber Purple & Lilac Racing Peter Timmins Nick Bradley Racing & Partner Nick Bradley Racing Club 3 Batterhams and A Reay Saeed Manana Sullivan Bloodstock Saif Ali J David Abell Julie Martin & David R Martin & Partner Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Hallowed Park Dr Ali Ridha Windmill Racing Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen Middleham Park Racing Edward Ware Sheikh Mohammed Obaid
Simon Munir and Isaac Souede Khalifa Dasmal Saif Ali Clarendon Thoroughbred Racing Kennett Valley Thoroughbreds Mildmay Racing & D H Caslon Mick and Janice Mariscotti Mildmay Racing & D H Caslon Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum Sultan Ali Simon Munir & Isaac Souede Clodagh McStay and Partner Jane Newett And Dougie Livingston Barbara & Alick Richmond RS Brookhouse Robert Moss Tim Bunting - Osborne House IV Foresome Thoroughbreds Abdullah Al Mansoori Merchants & Missionaries Partnership Dr Ali Ridha Alan Spence
PURCHASER
C Gordon-Watson Bloodstock Mark Johnston Racing Mark Johnston Racing Sac kvilleDonald/Hughie Morrison SackvilleDonald David Redvers Bloodstock Will Edmeades Bloodstock Andrew Balding Highflyer Bloodstock SackvilleDonald Jill Lamb Bloodstock Blandford Bloodstock Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock Jamie Lloyd C Washbourn Tony Nerses Blandford Bloodstock Cheveley Park Stud William R Muir R O'Ryan / R Fahey Bradley/Kelly Bloodstock Fiona Marner Bloodstock Mark Johnston Racing Dermot Farrington Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock Armando Duarte Mark Johnston Racing BBA Ireland Rabbah Bloodstock MC Bloodstock Rabbah Bloodstock Fiona Marner Bloodstock Peter & Ross Doyle BS (P.S.) Barberini Bloodstock Richard Frisby Bloodstock Roger Varian Mike Murphy Racing LLP Highflyer Bloodstock Mark Crossman Mark Johnston Racing JDW Bethell/SackvilleDonald Lillingston Bloodstock Hillen & Hughes Andrew Balding Boyce Bloodstock Rabbah Bloodstock Vendor Highflyer Bloodstock Hugo Palmer Mark Johnston Racing Mark Johnston Racing RS Brookhouse/JD Moore Robert Moss Barry Lynch Vendor Ed Vaughan Gaelic Bloodstock Hugo Palmer Clive Cox Racing
PRICE (GNS)
78,000 32,000 28,000 34,000 80,000 50,000 85,000 40,000 50,000 90,000 45,000 90,000 100,000 38,000 44,000 50,000 75,000 50,000 50,000 70,000 45,000 40,000 40,000 95,000 62,000 85,000 28,000 100,000 75,000 75,000 90,000 22,000 90,000 52,000 85,000 88,000 50,000 100,000 80,000 62,000 35,000 40,000 40,000 70,000 70,000 62,000 70,000 100,000 50,000 62,000 72,000 22,000 55,000 92,000 40,000 100,000 50,000 50,000 78,000
PRIZE
£31,469 £37,028 £29,528 £29,852 £29,269 €49,375 £29,528 £36,446 £29,528 £30,041 £38,969 £42,203 £37,675 £36,770 £38,969 £34,703 £29,269 £36,446 £38,969 £44,950 £29,852 £37,093 £35,350 £37,028 £31,469 £40,061 £29,269 £30,175 £37,028 £29,852 £29,528 £37,028 £38,969 £38,969 £37,028 £36,543 £30,175 £29,197 £37,028 £39,228 £34,703 £29,787 £39,228 £39,528 £37,287 £30,822 £38,063 £37,611 £39,228 £37,351 £37,675 £31,469 £38,322 £37,287 £37,675 £41,557 €45,594 £37,675 £37,352
Digging for TREASURE
Mick and Janice Mariscotti are continuing to prove that stars can be found without spending astronomical sums at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, writes Tom Peacock.
The Mariscottis are perennial visitors to Park Paddocks in October and their commitment paid dividends again this year following a flagship Royal Ascot success with the Andrew Balding-trained Dashing Willoughby, their 70,000 guineas Book 1 purchase who plundered the Gr.2 Queen’s Vase.
“We’ve been going about ten years I’d say,” says Mick Mariscotti, a former Finance Director at Coral bookmakers.
“Dashing Willoughby is our latest and, actually in terms of his rating, is our highest ever rated horse. Havana Beat was briefly rated 112, so he was quite close, and we’ve had the likes of Zanetto and Goldoni as well.”
Mariscotti explains that the buying process involves a few voices.
“We certainly look at the catalogues, but frankly the real hard work is done by Emma Balding and her team for Andrew, who go round and look at the ones that they think should be on our shortlist,” he says.
“By the time we’ve got up there, they’ve got a long list for us which we all go round and look at, while Janice has been pretty good at adding things to the list that are worth seeing. I’m prepared to just look at what I’m asked to, and we make a call from there.”
They tend to have a specific type in mind.
“There’s generally more chance of some resale value in a middle-distance horse, and also I don’t quite know why, but Janice and I like the look of middle-distance horses more than
“The Bonus is a real incentive, particularly if you’re buying at our sort of level” – Mick Mariscotti
we like the look of classic sprinters and two-year-old types. Something that takes time to develop but should improve for its three-year-old and four-year-old career as well.”
The Mariscottis have also made a giant profit of more than £400,000 on Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2 purchase, and Derby Day winner, Le Don De Vie.
“It’s an expensive business, so you need to sell here and there to try to at least balance the books,” says Mick. “Janice reminds me that you can’t sell all the good ones as then you’re left with the not so good ones! Luckily we knew we had Dashing Willoughby waiting in the wings, and we’re keen to explore how far he can go.”
Another encouragement to bring the couple back to Book 1 is the Tattersalls £25,000 bonus scheme, of which Mick Mariscotti is a great advocate.
“We’ve been lucky enough to win two since they were introduced, and it effectively pays for your first year’s training fees and a bit more. It’s a real incentive, particularly if you’re buying at our sort of level. We’re not spending hundreds of thousands or millions on horses and it does make a difference.”
