Rachel Pagones
A RARE foal by George Washington, the scintillating 2,000 Guineas winner who died last year while contesting the Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park, will be offered at the Goffs November Foal Sale.
The youngster should be particularly sought after as a filly who would have potential broodmare value even without the added rarity value of her sire, who had been returned to training at Ballydoyle after suffering severe fertility problems in his first year at stud.
Although it is widely believed the son of Danehill impregnated only a few mares, Andrea Mercer, Stud Book director at Weatherbys, could not confirm how many of his foals were born.
“George Washington has got progeny, but there are many mares from whom we are still awaiting returns, and I therefore would not be in a position to comment on whether this foal is the only progeny or how many there may be,” she said.
The filly, out of the Rainbow Quest mare Flawlessly, is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Ombre Legere and the Group 1-placed mare Flawly, who produced Prix du Jockey-Club runner-up Best Name.
She was bred by Stefano Luciani of Azienda Agricola Luciani, who also bred the highest priced foal at last year's November Foal Sale, a Galileo colt out of Captivating.
She was bred by Stefano Luciani of Azienda Agricola Luciani, who also bred the highest priced foal at last year's November Foal Sale, a Galileo colt out of Captivating.
The Irish National Stud, which consigned the Galileo colt last year, will act as consignor.
Luciani said: “The filly really looks like her sire – in fact the similarity is incredible. She's a good-bodied filly with plenty of bone and exudes quality.”
George Washington was a four-time Group 1 winner, having also won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the National Stakes and the Phoenix Stakes, as well as the Group 2 Railway Stakes. A half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Grandera, now at stud in Japan, he briefly commanded a fee of 60,000 euros before he was pulled from studin March.
Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby said: “Goffs is honoured to have the opportunity to sell this truly unique filly and we are confident of achieving another excellent result for her breeders, who have been great patrons of the Irish breedingindustry for many years.”
