Star Mare Kiku to Sell on Magic Millions Online Next Week

Media Release - Friday August 25

Brilliant racemare Kiku will be offered as an elite breeding prospect in a special standalone auction on the Magic Millions Online portal next week.

A Group Two winner and earner of over $1.2 million, Kiku will be offered at the special one day online auction on Thursday (August 31).

Bidding will open at 10am (AEST) and close from 4pm (AEST) and the star racemare will be offered unreserved.

The mare has been an incredible ambassador for Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds after her purchase for $300,000 at the 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Kiku

From 30 starts the daughter of Zoustar has notched six wins and 11 placings in a career that saw her contesting elite races around Australia.

City placed at both her juvenile runs, Kiku returned as a three-year-old to win the Group Three Carbine Stakes during a four win season.

At four she trained on to win a $500,000 Magic Millions National Classic at Eagle Farm during a season where she matched it with the best across the country.

She kicked off her final racing season at five with an electrifying win in the Group Two Theo Marks Stakes - when she stormed home from the tail of the field unleashing her customary sizzling turn of foot.

As well as possessing a first class racing record and stunning good looks, Kiku comes with a sensational pedigree. She is the full sister to the Group One Newmarket Handicap winner Zoutori and is a half sister to the juvenile stakes placegetter Kamitori.

Kiku's dam, the unraced Atotori, is a half sister to group winner Castlethorpe while her second dam is a half sister to the champion New Approach.

Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds purchased Kiku as a yearling in conjunction with Brett Howard and he is presenting the mare for sale under the Glenesk Thoroughbreds banner.

"I really liked her as a yearling," Howard said. "She's got a bit more leg than most Zoustars and there's plenty of scope about her."

"She was a high class racehorse who had Group One ability and was never beaten far in big races around the country. I always thought a mile was her best distance - 1400 to a mile."

"I'm disappointed for the owners that she's had to retire. I was hoping, after placing in it in the past two years, she could go and win the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares in January."

"She's such a wonderful prospect. She's by Zoustar and there's her form and great pedigree. It's a serious Group One family - not only is she a full sister to a Newmarket Handicap winner but it's the family of New Approach - a family proven globally."

"Kiku arrived at the farm this morning from Rosehill. She got off the truck, walked to her yard all cool and calm and just put her head down and started eating!"

"She was a $300,000 yearling and always a nice physical. She's a good 16.2hh - she stands over ground and has a really lovely temperament."

The one day sale on Thursday will provide Magic Millions Online with a fantastic opportunity to showcase a former star graduate as she begins on the next stage of her life.

"It will be an honour to present Kiku via Magic Millions Online on behalf of Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds on Thursday," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.

"Being a graduate of our Gold Coast Yearling Sale, she is a horse our team has followed closely during her career and she has been an incredible flagbearer for Star and also Magic Millions."

"The opportunity with Kiku is well timed for buyers on the eve of the breeding season and also just a couple a days after the world class Strawberry Hill Stud Unreserved Dispersal Sale," Bowditch added.

Kiku is currently located at Glenesk Thoroughbreds (117 Mount Vincent Rd, Mount Vincent) and she is available for inspection by contacting Brett Howard on 0403 037 773.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 20
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Two Shares In Within The Law Offered on MM Digital
A rare opportunity to buy into a multiple Group One placed three-year-old filly will be present at the upcoming Magic Millions Digital Sale (21-26 November).
Sires With Winners - Wednesday November 19
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Blue Diamond Dreaming Alive
The quest for Blue Diamond glory has officially begun, with 821 first acceptances received for the 2026 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes, reaffirming its standing as Victoria’s premier two-year-old contest and a coveted target for leading stables nationwide.  
One to Watch – Ballarat
A five length debut winner for Farnan was always going to be an easy choice as One to Watch on Thursday at Ballarat.
Unbeaten Written Tycoon Mare Stays Perfect at Caulfield
The most exciting winner on the card at Caulfield on Wednesday was the Ciaron Maher trained red hot favourite Tennessee Bound and the talented daughter of Written Tycoon made it three wins straight with another easy victory.
Orchestral Returns This Saturday
Expectations for Orchestral will be kept in check when the outstanding mare resumes at Pukekohe on Saturday.
€650,000 New Bay Filly Tops Goffs November Foals Day 3
A top price of €650,000 and 21 other lots who made €200,000 or more highlighted a third successive session of mighty trade at Goffs November Foal Sale today.
Cool Aza Beel Filly Scores at Caulfield – Brother 2026 Inglis Classic
With superstar G1 colt Cool Archie warming up for a summer campaign, his sire Cool Aza Beel has not lacked for new winners over the spring with the Moody / Coleman trained filly Cooly opening her account with a dominant win at Caulfield on Wednesday.
Crepe Myrtle Heads Torryburn Stud’s Triple Treat
It was a solid day at the office for high-quality Group 1 breeders Torryburn Stud with three graduates saluting the judge at three different tracks headed by Exceed And Excel mare Crepe Myrtle achieving consecutive wins when taking out the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1100m) at Canterbury.