Top-class filly Venetian Sun is set to be offered at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale by owners Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy.
A group 1 winner at both 2 and 3 through the Prix Morny (G1) and the Commonwealth Cup Stakes (G1), the Karl Burke-trained daughter of Starman is currently sidelined with a tendon injury and will be going under the hammer during the hugely popular Sceptre Sessions.
Bred by Tally-Ho Stud, Venetian Sun is a graduate from Book 1 of the 2024 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, having been knocked down to Todd Investments for 240,000 guineas (US$322,725).
She has won six of her nine starts, finishing a length behind Comanche Brave on her latest appearance in the July Cup Stakes (G1). Although the owners are becoming involved in breeding, a decision has been made to cash in on the high achiever.
Patrick Veitch, adviser to Bloom and McAleavy, said: "We're a growing organization but as yet not as big as the very biggest organizations, and with Santorini Star and Sky Majesty also to retire this year, we felt that at some point along the line we do have to make some sales and Venetian Sun being such an enticing offer, we've decided to send her to the December sales.
"She has had obviously a minor tendon injury, so it will be a decision whether someone wants to race her next year but, obviously, her primary attraction is the fact that with a young filly like that, hopefully she's got 12 top-class foals in front of her taking the absolutely top-class form she has at 2 and 3 into the breeding shed."
Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily podcast, Veitch did not rule out the prospect of Venetian Sun being able to race again, adding: "I think as tendon injuries go, it's towards the lower side, but we'll obviously provide the full vet reports at the sales.
"She's obviously been a hugely high-class horse and that's going to be a decision for one of the big operations that decides they want her in their gene pool."
Burke commented: "Venetian Sun is a genuine superstar. I've never had another horse who worked like her. Even at 2, she worked with my very best older sprinters and pulverized them one by one. She is a beautiful specimen and as good a racehorse as I have ever trained."
Venetian Sun joins Tiffany, See The Fire, and Raybiya among the early announcements for the Sceptre Sessions.
Tattersalls managing director Matthew Prior said: "Venetian Sun is a wonderful and tough race filly, and we are honored to offer her in the Sceptre Sessions at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, where she will undoubtedly be one of the highlights.
"The Sceptre Sessions were established to showcase the very best fillies and mares at Europe's leading breeding stock sale, and Venetian Sun joins a growing cast of outstanding fillies and mares that have already been confirmed. An exceptional racehorse with the looks to match, she will attract interest from across the world."
