all 4 yearlings offered were sold
STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK followed a successful Book I with an excellent Book II of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, selling all four yearlings for a total of 1,110,000gns. The consignment average of 277,500gns was approximately 142% above the overall sale average of 114,757gns—more than twice the benchmark at a record-breaking renewal.
The very good performances of our graduates on the racecourse this season had given us hope that the results in the sales ring would also be pleasing. It was particularly rewarding to see that optimism fulfilled, with buyers showing their confidence in the yearlings we brought to Newmarket.
Comparison of the published results places STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK at the top of the consignors by average – having sold four or more yearlings. A 100% clearance rate, against the sale’s overall 89%, completed a particularly satisfying week for our team.
Leading the draft was Lot 864, the SEA THE STARS filly out of ROSE RIZED, who realised 440,000gns to Paddy Twomey Racing on behalf of Robert Moran. Bred by Gestüt Wittekindshof and prepared by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, she is a full sister to the multiple Group winner and Group 1-placed ROSSCARBERY, whom we also sold for her breeders. Her purchase by the trainer who guided ROSSCARBERY’s successful career was especially pleasing.
Another highlight came through Lot 946, the ZARAK filly out of SOUS LES ETOILES, who sold for 400,000gns to Henry Lascelles on behalf of Lady Bamford. Bred by the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK BREEDING SYNDICATE and raised and prepared at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN, she provided a rewarding result for everyone involved in the breeding programme.
The STUDY OF MAN colt out of HEAT OF THE MOMENT, Lot 534, pinhooked by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK and raised and prepped at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN realised 160,000gns to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock on behalf of Peter Harris, while Lot 1100, the MODERN GAMES filly out of AMPHITRITE, another bred by the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK BREEDING SYNDICATE and raised at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN completed the results at 110,000gns to Peter Trainor acting for Mark Dobbin.
To finish the yearling sales season so well, while exceeding the average by such a substantial margin, is personally very rewarding. These results encourage our belief in individual attention, thoughtful sale placement and careful preparation to give every yearling the best opportunity in the ring.
Great credit goes to the team at STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK at home on the farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and at Newmarket. Our thanks also go to the breeders, owners and shareholders for their trust, and to all four purchasers for their confidence. We look forward to following these yearlings on the racecourse.
The Dubai Future Champions Festival takes place between Book I and Book II of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales at Newmarket. Three graduates of STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK contested three consecutive Group races at this prestigious festival, providing another rewarding afternoon for everyone at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN. With a nose and a neck separating us from two Group victories, there was plenty of excitement—and another new Black Type performer to celebrate.
The 2yo filly IN THE BLACK came agonisingly close to winning the Cornwallis Stakes, Gr.3 over five furlongs. Racing for Bond Thoroughbred Limited, the daughter of HAVANA GREY out of Showstoppa battled all the way to the line under P. J. McDonald, finishing just a nose behind Mussab, with the third another 2¾ lengths away. Trained by Geoff Oldroyd, she secured her first Black Type with this excellent performance. Purchased by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, raised and prepped at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and subsequently sold through their Book I consignment, she has progressed considerably since her promising but very green winning debut at Carlisle in June.
Another 2yo filly SIENA STORM was sent off the 7/2 favourite for the Oh So Sharp Stakes, Gr.3 over seven furlongs despite being the leased experienced filly in the field and finished fifth in a tightly contested finish, beaten less than a length by Lola De Valence. The bare placing hardly conveys how close she came. Trained by Ed Walker for TBT Racing and ridden by Kieran Shoemark, the daughter of NIGHT OF THUNDER out of SOUS LES ETOILES remains particularly special to us as the first foal and first winner bred by the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK BREEDING SYNDICATE. She was born and raised at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN. To see her competing so closely at Group level already gives the syndicate plenty of encouragement for next season.
FLORA OF BERMUDA completed the trio with another admirable performance in the Challenge Stakes, Gr.2. The daughter of DARK ANGEL again fought bravely under James Doyle, going down by just a neck to her stablemate Never So Brave. Racing for Wathnan Racing and trained by Andrew Balding, she again demonstrated the determination and consistency that have made her such a wonderful representative of our pinhooking programme. Selected as a foal at Goffs, raised at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and sold by us at Arqana, she has continued to reward everyone who believed in her.
For our small operation, having three graduates competing so creditably in successive Group races at such a prestigious meeting is a source of considerable pride. These are the afternoons that make the daily work worthwhile: watching horses we have selected, bred or raised develop into athletes capable of competing with the best.
STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK enjoyed a rewarding Book I of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, selling both fillies for a combined 1,050,000gns. Their average of 525,000gns exceeded the overall sale average of 359,420gns by 46.1%, with both yearlings individually selling above that benchmark.
Leading the consignment was Lot 85, the NEW BAY filly out of LIVIA’S DREAM, who realised 650,000gns to One Agency acting on behalf of Lordship Stud. A half-sister to dual Group 1 winner DREAMLOPER, she offered an exciting combination of racing potential and future breeding value. Lot 199, the LOPE DE VEGA filly out of QUICKSTEP GIRL, followed with 400,000gns to David Redvers Bloodstock acting on behalf of Qatar Racing, completing a successful sale for our two representatives.
A comparison of the published results places STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK among the top consignors by average, ahead of numerous larger and well-established operations. To compete successfully alongside Europe’s leading breeders and consignors with a small, carefully selected draft is particularly satisfying.
Book I brings together exceptional yearlings and an international buying bench, setting a demanding standard for everyone involved. To exceed the average again as what is regarded as arguably the finest yearling sale in the world is therefore especially rewarding. It gives real encouragement to our approach: selecting horses we believe in, developing them as individuals and giving each one every opportunity to attract the right buyers.
Both fillies were purchased as foals by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, and their journey through the programme at the stud farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN reflects the work that goes into these results long before the auctioneer takes the first bid. The daily care, rearing and preparation at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN, followed by the team’s presentation at Newmarket, all serve the same purpose: achieving the best possible result for each horse.
Our thanks go to everyone involved, and especially to both purchasers for their confidence. We look forward to following the fillies’ racing careers with great interest.
2yo SOLAR SWING got off the mark at Wolverhampton, adding another two-year-old winner to the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK pinhooking graduates. Trained by George Boughey for Teme Valley Racing, he was partnered by Billy Loughnane. Having settled behind the leaders, he took command over a furlong from home and stayed on well to beat Wilbur by three-quarters of a length over a mile and 142 yards.
Bred by Brian Canning and Tom Kelly, the son of STARMAN out of Teeline was purchased as a foal at the Goffs November Foal Sale by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK and raised at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN before being sold through their consignment at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.
Following these youngsters from their purchase as foals through their development on to success on the racecourse is always particularly rewarding. SOLAR SWING’s victory provides another pleasing result for our pinhooking programme and the team who helped give him his start.
Congratulations to Teme Valley Racing, George Boughey and his team, and Billy Loughnane.
3yo Maltese Cross finished as the best 3yo colt
It was a particular pleasure to be at Longchamp for this year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with MALTESE CROSS lining up with a live chance in one of the most important races in the world.
Normally, Arc weekend finds me at Tattersalls in Newmarket, showing our yearlings ahead of Book I. This year, however, everyone around me encouraged me to make an exception. With MALTESE CROSS a serious contender, they persuaded me to fly to Paris and experience the occasion in person. I am very glad they did.
There were sound reasons to be hopeful. His second in the Derby, followed by victories in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltigeur, had established him among the leading middle-distance colts of his generation. We went to Longchamp with realistic hopes of something special.
He ultimately finished sixth of the 16 runners, beaten three and three-quarter lengths by DARYZ and only a nose behind KALPANA. It was less than we had hoped for, but a creditable performance in such company. William Haggas subsequently explained that he had become unusually unsettled before the race and that the steady pace had not suited him. His trainer retains considerable confidence in him, and there is much to look forward to as a four-year-old.
Standing at Longchamp, sharing the anticipation and knowing that a horse whose journey you have been part of has a real chance in the Arc, is an extraordinary feeling. These are the moments we work towards all year. The early mornings, the long days and the care given to every young horse are driven by the hope of reaching this stage. Being there with MALTESE CROSS was a privilege.
Bred in partnership by Graf und Gräfin Stauffenberg and sold as a foal
3yo VARIETY ACT (Lope de Vega-Visoryina) bred by GRAF UND GRÄFIN STAUFFENBERG in partnership with STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK and Sam Sangster Bloodstock becomes another 3yo winner born and raised at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN. He won at Wolverhampton for Ehnicholls Holdings, trainer Sir Mark Prescott and ridden by Luke Morris.
Another classy performance by one of our 2yos
BULLETSNAP opened his account in emphatic fashion at Ripon on Saturday, 26 September. The 2yo colt by MINZAAL made every yard of the six-furlong EBF Novice Stakes and drew clear inside the final furlong to win by six and a half lengths under Jason Hart.
Selected as a foal by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK for their Pinhooking Syndiacte, he was raised and prepped at their stud farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN. BULLETSNAP did not meet his reserve as yearling and was subsequently sold privately through Avenue Bloodstock to his current connection. He is now trained by William Haggas for Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum, and this commanding first victory suggests there is more to come.
Another terrific performance by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK graduate SANTAGADA
The 4yo filly SANTAGADA by SOLDIER HOLLOW once again showed her tremendous class and courage when winning the €70,000 Group 2 feature over 2,400 metres at Iffezheim on Saturday.
Owned by Gestüt Park Wiedingen, trained by Peter Schiergen and ridden by Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, SANTAGADA had to wait for room in the straight, but once the gap opened she produced a decisive turn of foot to win in great style from the French challenger Light The Ghost, with Innora finishing third.
It was a particularly satisfying success, as SANTAGADA had been unlucky in this race last year. This time, however, she got the opportunity to show her full ability and duly delivered, recording her sixth Group victory and her eighth career win from only 15 starts.
Bred by Gestüt Höny-Hof, SANTAGADA was prepared by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN for the BBAG Yearling Sale, but had to be withdrawn due to registration issues. She has since developed into one of the most remarkable racemares in Germany in recent years.
For STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, her continued success is another wonderful confirmation of the quality of horses that have gone through our hands and our system — and SANTAGADA continues to make us very proud.
Physicals and Presentation Rewarded at BBAG
STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK enjoyed a particularly pleasing BBAG Yearling Sale, selling 9 of the 10 yearlings from the consignment, seven of them fillies.
The highlight was the CHALDEAN filly out of the unraced FIGLIA NERA, from the close family of Deutsches Derby winner FANTASTIC MOON — himself another STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK graduate from this sale. She realised €120,000 to Gestüt Brümmerhof, who purchased one of our graduates for the first time.
Although the consignment did not necessarily include the catalogue’s most fashionable pedigree pages, the yearlings spoke strongly for themselves. Their athleticism and good physicals, together with their immaculate condition and presentation, drew repeated positive comments from buyers and agents throughout the sale.
It was especially satisfying to see that appreciation reflected in the prices achieved. The yearlings sold more than pleasingly and the result is a great credit to the whole team. We are very grateful to all purchasers for their confidence and wish them every success with their new acquisitions.
Another outstanding performance from our Group 1-winning pinhook
MALTESE CROSS produced another commanding performance today when running out an impressive winner of the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, Gr.2, on the opening afternoon of York’s prestigious Ebor Festival.
Despite carrying a 5lb penalty for his Group 1 victory in the Grand Prix de Paris, the three-year-old son of SEA THE STARS travelled strongly throughout under Tom Marquand. After being settled just behind the leaders, he made smooth progress approaching the straight, took command two furlongs from home and stayed on powerfully to defeat Pierre Bonnard by two lengths. Derby winner Christmas Day finished a further two and a quarter lengths behind in third, as MALTESE CROSS emphatically reversed their Epsom form.
The performance provided further confirmation that MALTESE CROSS belongs among the leading three-year-old colts in Europe. Already successful in the Lingfield Derby Trial, L., runner-up in the Betfred Derby, Gr.1, and winner of the Grand Prix de Paris, Gr.1, he has now added one of Britain’s most important middle-distance trials to an exceptional record – his earnings have already passed €1.000.000.
Trainer William Haggas described the victory as “a proper Group 1 performance”, with both the Betfred St Leger, Gr.1, at Doncaster and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Gr.1, at ParisLongchamp remaining possible autumn targets.
Owned by George Waud and bred in France by Ecurie du Sud and Ecurie Gribomont, MALTESE CROSS was purchased by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK as a foal for €200,000 at the Arqana December Sale. He was subsequently raised and prepared at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN before being consigned to Tattersalls Book 1, where he was sold for 350,000 guineas to Hurworth Bloodstock on behalf of his present connections.
For all at STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, today’s victory represents another deeply rewarding chapter in an extraordinary journey. From promising foal and successful pinhook to Derby runner-up and multiple Pattern-race winner, MALTESE CROSS continues to demonstrate exactly what the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK programme aims to achieve.
We warmly congratulate owner George Waud, trainer William Haggas and his entire team, jockey Tom Marquand, his breeders and everyone connected with this exceptional colt.
