Winter Stakes Winner's Value Soars

Although it's a given that luck's a fortune in every aspect of the thoroughbred industry, there have been many documented cases over the past few years of horses changing hands on digital auctions for small sums, only to earn that back in large multiples. The weekend's Gr3 Winter Handicap winner at Riccarton becomes the latest to join that club (see above item). Ritani (Makfi) is out of the stakes-placed Unbridled's Song mare, Elegant Emerald who ran fourth in the 2003 Gr1 Telegraph Handicap (1200m) behind Tit For Taat (Faltaat). Purchased by bloodstock agent Bruce Perry for $85,000 out of the Wellfield Lodge draft at the 2016 Select Yearling Sale, NZ Racing Desk reports she did her initial racing for owner Lib Petagna from the Stephen Marsh stable where she won on four occasions. Ritani then transferred to the Taplin stable in October last year after being purchased for $16,000 off the gavelhouse.com auction site, where she has now won a further five races and career prizemoney of just over $213,000. Her broodmare value has also soared in the process.