Close relation to Zougotcha fetches $2.6m at Inglis Easter Yearling Sale

The second session of the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale delivered a memorable morning for Widden Stud, with two Zoustar yearlings producing standout results for the farm.

A colt closely related to Group 1 star Schwarz fetched $1.4 million early in the day, while a Zoustar filly with ties to Zougotcha blew away the competition, selling for $2.6 million—the highest-priced filly of the auction so far.

The $2.6 million filly is out of The Actuary, herself a half-sister to three-time Group 1 winner Zougotcha. Widden’s Antony Thompson said the filly drew immense attention during the inspection period.

“She has been a star from Day 1, she’s been a much-admired filly, and this week she’s hardly seen her box,” Thompson said.

“She’s had 260 parades, the vets have been all over her from all parts of the world and, I guess, had that X-factor and had that international appeal as well.”

The winning bid came from Resolute Racing, headed by American investor John Stewart, known for his aggressive moves in the bloodstock market, including a major bid on last year’s $10 million Winx filly.

“Obviously he (Stewart) made a big play here last year, he’s been a major investor globally in his model to try and pick the finest bloodstock in the world, so to buy this filly off us is a real thrill and something we’re proud of,” Thompson said.

Earlier, James Harron and TFI partnered up to secure the colt related to Schwarz for $1.4 million. His value soared following Schwarz’s victory in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.

“The Summer Sham colt was a ripper, a stunning Zoustar colt (who’s a) full brother to a Group 1 winner,” Thompson said.

“For him to make $1.4 million just really vindicates everything Zoustar’s doing and what we’re doing.”

New Zealand’s Little Avondale Stud also got in on the action, selling a Zoustar colt for $1.7 million to Sam Wright and Douglas Whyte. The colt is out of a mare with close ties to stakes performer Evaporate.