Steve Cauthen back in action at Tattersalls for Harry Angel's half-brother

Of all the Transatlantic visitors to Tattersalls Book 1 this week, which have included those as well-known as celebrity chef Bobby Flay and the art world’s mover-and-shaker Peter Brant, there has been perhaps no more familiar face than that of Steve Cauthen.

The 62-year-old Kentuckian has hero status in Newmarket, particularly via his association through the 1980s with the late Sir Henry Cecil. Cauthen returned to these shores this summer to be involved in ITV’s coverage of the Derby, but it had been many years longer since he had trodden the paths of Park Paddocks.

He had arrived wearing the hats of two Kentucky owner-breeding operations, as an adviser to the powerful Three Chimneys Farm, where brother Doug is vice-chairman, and as racing manager to Dixiana Farm, a historic operation which has been revitalised by owners William and Donna Shively.

"It’s been good to be back," said Cauthen. "I obviously rode here and came up to the sales, but never had anything to sell or bought anything when I was riding.

"When I retired and went back to breed I did bring a horse back over here one year, didn’t sell it and ended up putting it in training with Henry, it turned out to be no good but…"

Standing away from the crowd with agent Ben McElroy, to the right of the auctioneer, Cauthen was involved in the purchase of the second lot of the day, a Medaglia D’Oro half-brother to the July Cup winner, champion sprinter and now stallion Harry Angel. Also a sibling of Mill Reef winner Pierre Lapin, Baroda Stud’s representative reached a figure of 600,000gns.

The Medaglia D'Oro colt is a half-brother to Darley stallion Harry AngelCredit: Edward Whitaker

"For Three Chimneys, we bought a couple of colts in partnership with Barbara Banke's Stonestreet," Cauthen explained. "There was one on Wednesday [a 320,000gns Dark Angel colt from Kilmoney Cottage Stud], and this one today, to go back to America and be with Wesley Ward.

"I think he’s a very nice colt, obviously if he could come back to win at Ascot, he’d be of stallion potential. He’s got some pedigree, he’s a good looking horse, athletic, and Ben and I liked him.

"He went higher than we really thought we were going to have to go because Medaglia D’Oro is not really a stallion that everyone over here necessarily thinks of - we thought it would give us a better chance - but it’s hard to buy a good horse. If they’re good looking, there’s a lot of people looking at them."

Cauthen reiterated the feeling that many must have been experiencing when looking to shop at the top end.

"Mr Shively was the one who really sent me over looking for some fillies, he loves turf racing and would like to buy into some nice families, but it’s been hard," he said.

"The whole sale has been terribly strong, but fillies have been particularly hard to buy."

More Book 1 news:

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'Damn that Group 1 update!' - Shadwell forced to 1,050,000gns for Kingman filly

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Shadwell end two-year sales ring hiatus with 880,000gns Book 1 buy