2 minutes Already celebrated for his top-notch performances over hurdles, trained by Gordon Elliott, his pedigree is just as impressive.
On a thrilling Monday, Caldwell Potter made headlines by becoming the priciest National Hunt horse ever auctioned, with a winning bid of €740,000 (£633,710). This remarkable purchase was made on behalf of a partnership that includes the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, adding an extra layer of excitement to the sale. In a bustling auction arena, Anthony Bromley, a renowned bloodstock agent, clinched the deal for the horse with the staggering bid.
Bromley commented:
"I don't feel great about taking the horse out of Gordon Elliott's yard. He's done so well with this horse. "But this is business and you've got to do the best for your clients and when I saw the horse coming up for sale there was only one phone call I made and it was to John Hales. He's been a client of mine for many, many years.
"I bought him for a little partnership they've got together, four guys, John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done."
The buzz around this sale originated from Andy and Gemma Brown's Tattersalls Ireland dispersal at Fairyhouse. The Browns, known for running their horses under the Caldwell Construction name, surprised the racing community last month with their decision to sell their entire lineup.
Caldwell Potter, the Showstopper
Among the 29 lots presented, Caldwell Potter was undoubtedly the showstopper. Already celebrated for his top-notch performances over hurdles, trained by Gordon Elliott, his pedigree is just as impressive. This six-year-old, sired by Martaline, shares his lineage with Mighty Potter—a four-time Grade One winner for Elliott and the Browns, sadly lost to a fatal injury last year. Caldwell Potter's dam, Matnie, has also blessed the racing world with other notable names like French Dynamite, Indiana Jones, and Brighterdaysahead.
Living up to his distinguished breeding, Caldwell Potter boasts three wins from seven starts, including triumphs in two of his first three hurdle races. His most recent victory, a Grade One win at the Future Champions Novice Hurdle during Leopardstown's Christmas meeting, only adds to his growing legend.
The auction itself was a nail-biter, starting at €100,000 (£85,637) and escalating into a tense face-off between two eager parties, eventually culminating in Caldwell Potter's record-setting sale. This momentous event not only highlights Caldwell Potter's incredible potential but also marks a significant moment in National Hunt racing history.
What Next for Caldwell Potter?
The six-year-old will now make the move from Ireland to Somerset as he switches to Paul Nicholls’ yard ahead of this year’s Cheltenham Festival. The long-term target for Caldwell Potter’s new owners will be the Cheltenham Gold Cup and in 2024 he is currently prominent in the betting for two Grade One events. William Hill are offering 8/1 for Caldwell Potter to win the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle whilst he has also shortened to 10/1 to win the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with the same bookmaker.