A dramatic bidding war erupted at the prestigious Tattersalls auction house this week, pitting Dubai's ruler against one of football's most powerful agents in a multi-million pound battle for racing royalty.
The Princely Contestants
On one side stood Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose Godolphin racing operation represents one of the most powerful forces in global horseracing. On the other, Kia Joorabchian, the Iranian-British super-agent who has brokered some of football's biggest transfers, including deals for Carlos Tevez and Philippe Coutinho.
The Prize: Racing Pedigree Perfection
The object of their fierce competition? A breathtaking bay yearling colt who represents the pinnacle of thoroughbred breeding. This young horse is no ordinary prospect - he's the son of Sea The Stars, the legendary champion who achieved the unprecedented feat of winning the 2000 Guineas, the Derby, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in a single spectacular season.
His mother, Siyouma, brings her own impressive credentials to the bloodline as a Group 3 winner, creating what auction experts described as "the perfect storm of breeding potential."
The Auction Room Drama
As the bidding opened at Tattersalls' October Yearling Sale, the atmosphere grew electric. The price rapidly escalated beyond the million-pound mark, then two million, with neither party showing any sign of backing down.
Seasoned auction-watchers described the contest as "one of the most intense duels seen at Park Paddocks in recent years," with the two wealthy bidders trading blows through raised paddles and subtle nods.
The Winning Bid
After a tense exchange that saw the price soar to £2.5 million, Sheikh Mohammed's representative finally emerged victorious. The final hammer price of 2,500,000 guineas (approximately £2,625,000) secured one of the most promising young thoroughbreds ever to enter the Godolphin blue.
The purchase represents a significant investment in the future of global racing, with the young colt expected to begin his racing career under the expert guidance of Godolphin's training team before potentially standing at stud, where he could command enormous fees as the son of one of racing's true legends.
