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.

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"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.

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