Dundeel’s dozen Magic Millions yearlings: Lot 210
Raheen Stud represents the heartland strength of Queensland thoroughbred breeding and has been owned & operated by three generations of the Nolan family for almost 60 years. Set on 820 hectares of rich alluvial flats in the famous Darling Downs region, 130 kilometres from Brisbane, Raheen has sold at every Magic Millions Gold Coast since the inaugural 1986 auction, and recent graduates include Group winners Snippets Land & Kiss A Rose, and Listed winners Throssell & Too Good To Refuse. Raheen is currently run by Basil & Diane Nolan, their son Basil Jnr and his wife Natalie.
Basil Jnr couldn’t be happier with Lot 210 at Magic Millions, Raheen’s colt by Dundeel from city-winning mare Matilda’s Dance (by Danehill Dancer).
“He’s a really lovely colt who’s developed as we hoped he would. He’s a strong, tough horse and a fluent mover with plenty of quality who eats everything put in front of him.”
The mating had plenty of appeal for the Nolans. “The High Chaparral/Danehill cross is very successful and we like to go to outstanding racehorses who coped with all the pressures of racing.
“Dundeel had an amazing turn of foot and we thought his fee was pretty good value. Matilda’s Dance is a young mare with a good page and we got what we hoped for.”
Basil highlights a couple of other yearlings from Raheen’s 13-strong consignment, Lots 19 and 764. He says, “The Sebring-Fleet Riane filly is full of quality, and we have an outstanding Sizzling colt, the first foal of Dayita, who was a good winner in Melbourne.”
2016 began well in the ring for Raheen with yearlings sold up to $300,000, and on-track winter excitement was supplied by graduates I’m Belucci (3rd, Queensland Derby G1) and 2YO Singapore stakeswinner Mystic Master. The Nolans’ year finished strongly when Too Good To Refuse, passed in at the Magic Millions Sale two years ago, won November’s BRC Keith Noud H. LR, and Le Capitaine, sold as a 2YO, won his second Hong Kong start in December.
