Lime Country Thoroughbreds and Dato Tan Chin Nam’s Think Big Stud both celebrated their biggest yearling sale result on day two of the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
They combined with lot 262, the bay colt by Fastnet Rock out of Norzita prepared by Lime Country as agent for Think Big Stud, which was knocked down to Queensland’s Aquis Farm for $660,000.
“It’s our highest grossing yearling sale ever and we’re satisfied and grateful to have achieved it with Lime Country,” said Think Big Stud’s Duncan Ramage.
In February 2017, the Dato Tan Chin Nam leased Think Big Stud to Lime Country Thoroughbred’s Greg and Jo Griffin and it was them who encouraged the sale of this colt.
“This colt came to the market because they foaled a So You Think filly out of Norzita during the year so they have a filly now to potentially keep the family going,” said Ramage.
“He was not originally going to come to the sales but the decision was made after lots of encouragement from the consigners.
“I think this horse looks like the type of Fastnet Rock that could be a Golden Slipper runner and I wish his new owners the best of luck.”
For the Griffins it was an extra special result to reach the milestone with a Think Big Stud-bred yearling.
“To get a result like this for the Tan family is exceptionally rewarding when we have been entrusted with their stock,” said Jo.
“It’s the second colt Aquis have purchased from our farm this sales season - let’s hope one of them can get their name up in lights and we have many more to do business with in the future!”
A champion filly, Norzita was a dual Group One winner for Think Big Stud and Westcode Pty Ltd and this colt is her third foal.
“We retained her first foal, by So You Think,” said Ramage. “He has a bit of sentimentality because the two owners raced him and they raced the mother and there’s not too many owners who can race both champion Group One winning sire and dam and then race their progeny.”
While Dato was unable to attend the sale, Ramage said he would have been watching the auction with interest.
“Dato Tan turned 92 a week-and-a-half ago and unfortunately he’s not fit for traveling but he will be watching the Sky footage and he’s very much in tune with what’s going on,” he said.
“He has been a trader for years and very stoic so he would probably always say that the buyer got a bargain.”
Lime Country had sold three lots at the conclusion of day two of the sale, for an aggregate of 1,410,000.
“Greg and I are wrapt to have sold two horses for over $500k from the four we have offered so far at this sale,” said Jo.
