First Australian Purchase for Jacksons

by Jessica Martini 
While Roy and Gretchen Jackson were in the U.S. coping with a sick horse, trainer Gai Waterhouse was busy picking out the couple's first Australian purchase at Tuesday's first session of the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Waterhouse signed the ticket at A$460,000 to secure the filly by Encosta de Lago (Aus) on behalf of the Jacksons, who campaigned GI Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. 

“It was a spur of the moment decision,” Gretchen Jackson said of the purchase Tuesday afternoon. “And also we respect the breeding down there and we wanted a filly. And we think Gai Waterhouse is a good trainer and Marette Farrell is the contact person and we really respect her, too. All things were a plus.” 

Jackson said the instructions to Waterhouse were simple. “We told her strictly fillies and gave her a price tag,” Jackson said of the couple's wish list. 

Jackson admitted the new addition to the couple's Lael Stables hasn't quite sunk in yet. 

“We just had a horse colic and I had to put her down last night,” Jackson explained. “I spent from 2:30 to midnight with this horse and–I'm not complaining–but my mind was on that horse. And that horse was an exceptional horse–she ran 100 times. She was 25 and I was very fond of her. She was a work horse, tough as nails. So I haven't had much time to get excited over this because I'm still recovering. But it's great. I'm very excited about her. I saw a picture of her and she is beautiful.” 

The yearling, who sold as lot 75, is out of Canadian stakes winner Native Legend (Tale of the Cat), a half-sister to graded stakes winner Prized Stamp (Prized). She was consigned by Coolmore Stud. 

“I'm delighted to buy this horse for the Jacksons,” Waterhouse commented. “Marette Farrell, who worked down here for me, suggested that they might be interested. We looked at several horses, but ended up on this one.” 
Jackson did not rule out future Australian purchases. 

“If the price is right and everything goes perfectly, we'd welcome that opportunity,” Jackson commented. “But right now, we're still dealing with this purchase.” 

The bay filly could also be the impetus for a trip. Asked if she and her husband had been to Australia, Jackson said, “No. But this would be an inspiration to go. Now we have to go. We're getting crazy in our old age. We're trying to stay with it and young and everything. Maybe this is a new venture and we'll find the fountain of youth in Australia.”