Imago
A lone wild horse stands in dramatic light. The background is completely black, and the shape and form of her body is illuminated by strong angled lighting to create a chiaroscuro effect.
Imago
A lone wild horse stands in dramatic light. The background is completely black, and the shape and form of her body is illuminated by strong angled lighting to create a chiaroscuro effect.
The world of horse racing often witnesses tales of sheer ferocity and grit. Dark Angel, an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and stud, has contributed significantly to this world of power and drama. With a career spanning nearly 15 years as a stud, this son of sire Acclamation (GB) in 1999 and out of Dam Midnight Angel (GB) in 1994 has gifted the world of horse racing with rich offspring like Lily’s Angel, Lethal Force, Battaash, Harry Angel, Mecca’s Angel, and Khaadem.
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Now, as we explore the illustrious journey of this icon, yet another captivating tale unfolds in the heart of Newmarket in connection to the stud.
Horse racing auction takes a dramatic turn
In a post on X by World Horse Racing, the account pointed out the bidding drama that unfolded at Tattersalls Yearling Sales in Newmarket. The focus was on the contrasting fortunes of two sellers at Europe’s leading bloodstock auction. For Dark Angel yearling filly Lot 144 in Ireland from Goths, the purchase price for Lot 144 was 95,000, and the seller, Violet Hesketh, mentioned that breaking even would probably be 100,000 guineas. Hesketh expressed for profits, with 150,000 or more would be considered “unbelievable.” On the other hand, another filly, identified as Lot 141, out of a mare sired by Candy Ride, was given an investment of 40–45,000 guineas with an expected profit of 70–75,000 guineas.
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Big sale or big FAIL?
The drama of @tattersalls1766 sales with @whbloodstock.
— World Horse Racing (@WHR) January 5, 2024
While the auction continued, even though the bid for Lot 141 was lower, the auction for the filly did not proceed as the bid reached only 70,000 guineas. Peter Kavanagh did not let her go at a lower bid and opted for a buyback at 140,000 GNS. But for the Dark Angel filly Lot 144, the auction progressed well, reaching well over 150,000 guineas, bringing joy to Violet Hesketh and her team. Although the drama was a thrill, it was not surprising given the iconic legacy attached to the filly’s sire, Dark Angel.
The legacy of Dark Angel
Dark Angel is a renowned name in the horse racing world. Foaled in 2005, the 18-year-old has a legacy, gracing prestigious courses from Chester Racecourse and Royal Ascot to York Racecourse and Doncaster Racecourse. Although his horse racing career was short after he retired to stud at 3, he has produced nearly 15 G1 winners, 57 Group winners, and 100 stakes winners.
And that’s not all; nearly 30 of Dark Angel’s offspring were sold for over €100,000. This hailed him as the leading sire in Britain and Ireland as of December 5, 2023, surpassing names like Havana Grey, Kodiac, and No Nay Never. The proof of his fierce legacy was once again on display at Tattersalls Yearling Sales in Newmarket when his filly Lot 144 won the bid at a whopping 260,000 GNS.
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Edited by
Sampurna Pal