A memorable period for Hertfordshire-based trainer Bradley Gibbs continued yesterday at Goffs UK’s Spring Sale when he sold Saunton Surf for a record sum.
The four-year-old daughter of Sea Moon was knocked down for £175,000, a new high for a filly or mare from the British point-to-point circuit. The sum exceeds the £160,000 paid for Kap D’Attente at last year’s Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale.
Saunton Surf (pictured above outside the sale ring), who cost owners Ratkatcha Racing €45,000 as a three-year-old store at Goffs Land Rover Sale, was ridden by Tommie O’Brien when winning a maiden point-to-point at Maisemore Park in March, but she faced just three rivals. The market was wary about the strength of that form and she did not reach her reserve valuation when offered at Tattersalls Cheltenham’s April Sale.
Saunton Surf circles the ring on her way to a record price **Sarah Farnsworth - Goffs UK
Believing he had a very good filly Gibbs kept her for Friday’s point-to-point bumper at Aintree, where she ran out a convincing winner under Freddie Mitchell, beating 12 rivals.
Highflyer Bloodstock’s Tessa Greatrex was in pole position when the hammer fell yesterday for Saunton Surf. She said her husband, licensed trainer Warren Greatrex, would handle the next stage of the filly’s career and added: “I’ve bought her for our landlords, Jim and Claire Bryce. What was not to like about her performance at Aintree? We really liked her at the previous sale, so we’re delighted to get her now.”
Gibbs, who in March rode and trained Cheltenham Festival winner Premier Magic and later landed the Ineos Grenadier Mixed Open final on the same horse, said of Saunton Surf: “Before I ran her I thought she was a bit special. With only four runners in her first race it didn’t do her justice, so we had no choice but to keep her for the Aintree bumper. On Friday night she was extremely impressive – hopefully she can go on to bigger and better things. She was owned by very good owners and I know they are delighted with this result.”
Bradley Gibbs, who trained Saunton Surf to win twice **Sarah Farnsworth - Goffs UK