During a lively Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in Newmarket, 18 yearlings by Ardad were sold in Book 2 for an average price of 82,222gns and median of 62,500gns. 

These included four six-figure lots, led by Kirtlington Stud’s half-sister to dual Grade 3 winner Motorious, who brought a bid of 420,000gns from Amo Racing during the final session of Book 2.

The filly was bred by Kirtlington Stud in partnership with 85-year-old Mary Taylor, who has nurtured the family over several generations. Bloodstock agent Alex Elliott signed for her on behalf of Amo Racing. 

He said, “The price tells you how good she is. She is an exceptional filly. The mare has produced two good runners, and Ardad is a decent stallion, but this is a pedigree that goes all the way back to a deep Claiborne family.”

He added, “She goes to Richard Fahey, who has done really well with Ardad’s stock.”

Kirtlington’s Chris Budgett said, “Mary bred all the foundation mares in this pedigree, and she is someone who does not like to spend too much money on stallion nominations. Ardad, in all fairness to him, did exceedingly well with his first crop and the choice was hers, but I was very pleased because I had seen some of them run and liked what I saw. This is a very fast family so it all fitted in, it came together and this is a rather gorgeous filly.”

Also on the buyers’ sheet for Ardad’s youngsters were American trainer Kenny McPeek as well as plenty of trainers closer to home, including John and Sean Quinn, Clive Cox, Hughie Morrison, Ed Bethell, William Knight and Richard Hughes.

McPeek, who landed this year’s Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, will train the Ardad filly out of All Of Me. The half-sister to American black-type earner Alluring Angel was bought for 150,000gns from Kilmoney Cottage Stud. 

Another 17 yearlings by Ardad will be offered through Book 3.