Before the first hour of selling was complete this morning we had our first million dollar horse for the fourth session of Magic Millions with the Coolmore consigned I Am Invincible colt from Booker living up to the pre-sale talk.
The much admired first foal of Group I MRC Oakleigh Plate winner Booker, he sparked keen competition with champion trainer Ciaron Maher placing the winning bid at $2.5million.
Maher declared the colt as the most expensive yearling he’s ever bought.
“It gets a bit daunting,” Maher revealed.
“For a yearling, that’s the highest I have ever gone. But they’re only expensive if they’re slow and hopefully he’s not that.”
“I’ve seen him before he started his yearling prep. He’s a smashing type. He stood out. With that pedigree he was always going to be a high price and we had a bit more to go as well.
“Ideally he’ll win a Slipper and a Coolmore. Really looking forward to it.
“He ticks all the boxes physically and mentally.”
Maher has had success with I Am Invincible, notably through his Champion 3YO filly Loving Gaby and Group I winning sprinter Marabi.
“We’ve had some super horses (I Am Invincible) through the stable. We’ve got a really nice colt now called Garza Blanca, Loving Gaby was a banner horse and hopefully this bloke is the next one,” Maher said.
“That’s the aim of the game to get him back in the barn as a stallion. He certainly looks the part now and can go all the way.
“I have a syndicate of owners ready to go into the horse and Coolmore have a share as well.”
A daughter of champion sire Written Tycoon and sister to stakes-winner Banquo, Booker was purchased by Tom Magnier for $1.6million at the 2020 Inglis Chairman’s Sale off the track and sent to I Am Invincible in her first season at stud with this dazzling colt the result.
“We’re very happy. He’s been a lovely colt all week,” said Tom Magnier.
“The best of luck to him. I think he’s a champion, the horse. He’s the best horse we’ve taken to a sale in a long time.
“He’s been very popular and all the top people were on him, so I’m delighted for Ciaron Maher.”
Booker produced a filly last spring by I Am Invincible and is now in foal to his champion son Home Affairs in his first season at stud.
The star colt is the sixth individual million dollar yearling at this sale so far for Yarraman Park’s champion sire I Am Invincible.
