Jim Hay made a notable statement of intent at the Goffs Dubai Breeze-Up Sale March 21, as he proved by some way the leading buyer in the Meydan parade ring.
The Dubai-based Scotsman, whose pink and green silks have been carried by notable horses with the likes of Aidan O'Brien, Andrew Balding, and Paul Cole over the years, has been backing the local stable of Bhupat Seemar and purchased another clutch of choice American-bred colts.
Hay struck very early on in proceedings when, flanked by bloodstock agent Stephen Hillen, he went to €518,519 (US$555,769, €1=US$1.0718) for Lot 2, a Justify colt offered by Willie Browne's Mocklershill.
He would later eclipse that with a final bid of €543,210 ($582,234) for Powerstown Stud's Gun Runner (Lot 18), from an elite Brazilian family on his dam's side, who ended up topping proceedings.
"We supported the sale last year, we didn't do very well with one of the purchases, but nevertheless, they were high-quality pedigrees, the catalog looked better and Steve had a good look at everything," said Hay.
Stephen Hillen & Dr Hay bought 4 lots at the Dubai Breeze Up Sale for an average of €407,408. 🔥
— Goffs (@Goffs1866) March 21, 2023
Lot 2 - €518,519
Lot 14 - €246,914
Lot 17 - €320,988
Lot 18 - €543,210#GoffsDubai 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/HQxHwESixT
"I bought the Gun Runner colt from Keeneland for $160,000 last year, he's just been a lovely horse and has gone to the right place," said Whitehead, who was asked how he approached this particular sale.
"Just keep it simple," he said. "We've just looked for American-bred colts, good individuals, good pedigrees."
Browne had an equally high opinion of Lot 18, who he said had been offered on behalf of Coolmore interests and was out of Orpendale, Chelston, and Wynatt's Galileo mare Say—a group 3 winner in Ireland and third in the Matron Stakes (G1) who has already produced three black-type winners
"He was a beautiful colt, he had the pedigree, it was a great price, but it wasn't too much of a surprise as he did a very good breeze and vetted well," said Browne. "I loved the horse. His movement was exceptional and it's a serious pedigree.
"I think he's going to go all the way."
Among Hay and Hillen's other purchases was one that made Bushypark Stables' journey to the Gulf more than worthwhile.
A Mitole colt (Lot 14) changed hands to those connections for €246,914, with Matt Whyte's operation finding the son of three-time winning Street Sense mare Warm Breeze for $60,000 at Keeneland in September.
"Really, really happy with that," said Whyte. "We came here last year but this was the first time we were selling, so we had an idea of what to bring here.
"He's a big horse, 16.2 (hands), but really straightforward. It's been a wonderful experience all the way."
Sheikh Mohammed made several appearances on the lawn outside the parade ring and he had a not-so-secret agent on hand to do his bidding. Anthony Stroud signed for two purchases for a total of €530,864.
Oak Tree Farm's Street Sense colt, out of a placed daughter of fabled race and broodmare Serena's Song, was priciest at €370,370, and he also selected a €160,494 Honor Code colt from Mocklershill.
As those intending to buy a horse have to indicate their move by waving a paddle, it was either by design or amusing coincidence that the suave Stroud was carrying number 007.
