In a move that further illustrates the global prowess of the operation, Yulong and partner Zhijun Zhao landed 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) for a record A$6.6m (€4,039,810) at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
It was Yulong (and Zhijun Zhao) that saw off the attention of Coolmore for the superstar racemare with the new connections of Imperatriz revealing that the mare would not race on but mating plans were yet to be confirmed.
“We don't really have any plans just at this moment, because you never write your speech before the races. We'll get her home and think about where we're going to go with her from there,” said Vin Cox.
Bidding for the 13-time winner, who was trained for the majority of her career by Mark Walker, opened up at a whopping A$4m. It was Zhijun Zhao who did the bidding online to secure the winning bid.
American billionaire John Stewart, who was vocal in the build-up to the sale and even vowed to pay up to $6 million for Imperatriz, was not involved in the bidding. The previous broodmare sale record set in Australia was $5 million for Milanova back in 2008.
The emotions!
$6.6 million for Imperatriz! pic.twitter.com/We6DmXbSf7— Magic Millions (@mmsnippets) May 28, 2024
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