Yulong Pay $1.55 million for Semana

Tara Madgwick - Thursday May 8

The first million dollar mare at Inglis Chairman’s came as somewhat of a surprise given Semana has never won a Group I and has not won any race since February 2024, but the good looking daughter of Winning Rupert sold for $1.55million to Walnut Farm aka Yulong.

Semana has a big ownership group that have had a massive pay day! - image Steve Hart

A $200,000 Magic Millions purchase as a yearling from Newgate Farm for James Bester Bloodstock/Vantage Thoroughbreds, Semana has been trained throughout her career by Ciaron Maher and was offered in his draft for her large group of owners.

She started off winning a maiden at Muswellbrook in November 2022 and has worked through her grades at a steady pace before striking career best form to finish second in the Group I ATC Coolmore Classic and Tatts Tiara.

Semana holds entries for upcoming races in Brisbane so still has a chance to enhance her race record.

Advertisement

"She'll stay in work and stay with Ciaron and he'll map out a plan which will likely involve Queensland Carnival and all going well, she may race on or otherwise she could go to stud in the spring," said Sam Faigray for Yulong.

"Obviously there's a couple of nice Group 1 races up there in Brisbane. There's the Tatt’s Tiara, Stradbroke sort of thing, but Ciaron will just get her home and tuck her into bed tonight and then tomorrow morning he'll map out a plan and see where she's best placed."

Semana is a half-sister to stakes-winner Gala Queen and her sire Winning Rupert stands in WA and covered 20 mares last spring at a fee of $8,800.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!
Kiwi Melbourne Cup Contender Kicks off at The Valley
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.