Decorated Knight reigns at Goffs as Blue Diamond Stud up home support

Imad Al Sagar of Blue Diamond Stud was among the busiest buyers during day one of the Goffs November Foal Sale on Monday, as the owner and breeder continued to throw his full support behind his former colour bearer Decorated Knight.

The regally bred son of Galileo retired to the Irish National Stud after a racing career that included three Group 1 victories in the Jebel Hatta, Tattersalls Gold Cup and Irish Champion Stakes, and he came in for strong home support as his debut crop hit the market on Monday.

Al Sagar, who was accompanied by his long-standing racing and bloodstock adviser Tony Nerses, signed for three lots by Decorated Knight, including the filly out of Aniarnota, a Dalakhani half-sister to Desert King, who fetched €50,000 when offered by the Irish National Stud.

View full Goffs November Foal Sale results and stats

"As the owner of Decorated Knight, we have to support the breeders," said Al Sagar. "Obviously I cannot support everything but I have complete belief in Decorated Knight, so we'll try with the good ones we find."

Al Sagar spoke candidly as he outlined his approach to launching the stallion career of Decorated Knight, who will stand the 2020 breeding season at €9,000.

"We're positioning him to be available for all breeders," he said. "I'm not looking for financial benefits at this stage, that comes naturally once his progeny run. As an owner, I know I'm making sacrifices, but they are logical and calculated sacrifices. If I don't believe in the horse then why should others?

Andrea Atzeni: starring on Decorated KnightCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"I think there is an obligation, especially in the first four years, to support the horse. It's the only logical option in front of me. I'll be choosing the trainers for his progeny very carefully too, and that is all to maximise Decorated Knight's chances of success."

Al Sagar also purchased a colt out of Belova at €30,000 when offered by Limekiln Stud, and gave €24,000 for the colt out of Desert Lily consigned by Olive O'Connor Bloodstock.

He went on to explain that his sales ring support of Decorated Knight follows on from ensuring the horse covered some glittering books of mares at the Irish National.

"He's a very special horse with a very special pedigree," he said. "I sent 28 of my top mares to him in his first year alone. I've seen some very nice foals here this week and we also have some exceptional foals that we bred at Blue Diamond Stud. He has really stamped his stock, that is clear; they are full of class."

He added: "I've been very encouraged by the start made by his three-quarters brother Gleneagles. He's among the most successful sons of Galileo, which is very encouraging as they are from the same bloodline."

The Blue Diamond Stud team were not the only buyers in pursuit of Decorated Knight's first-crop representatives, as Hugo Merry also went to €28,000 for the filly out of Fol O'Yasmine bred and offered by Tinnakill House.

Decorated Knight has two more lots due to come under the hammer at the November Sale on Tuesday. A colt out of Samite is offered by Oghill House Stud (lot 276) and Whitethorn Bloodstock consign the colt out of Nazli (507).

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