A brother of Grade 1-star Douvan could be destined for the point-to-point fields in 2020 after being snapped up on the opening day of the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale.
Offered as lot 27, the own-brother to Willie Mullins’ dual Cheltenham Festival hero was one of the early highlights within the catalogue, with that standout pedigree ensuring that he featured on many shopping lists.
Out of a Saint Des Saints mare that ran over obstacles in her native France, Douvan is her only runner to date, and handler Ellmarie Holden will be hoping to maintain the families 100% strike record, with the son of Walk In The Park now under her care.
Following some competitive bidding it was bloodstock agent Michael Shefflin who was responsible for the winning bid of €140,000, as he got the better of underbidder Tessa Greatrex of Highflyer Bloodstock.
Shefflin secured the son of Walk In The Park on behalf of owner Paul Holden, with daughter Ellmarie to train the exciting three-year-old from her Ballyhale yard in Co. Kilkenny, which sent out three four-year-old maiden winners last season – Wherewouldugetit, Calthor and Geraldo.
Douvan’s brother could well be now set to follow a similar path.
"His pedigree is just so good," said Shefflin when speaking to Tattersalls.ie. "The mare has had one runner and one top-class winner, and this is a full-brother."
Owner Paul Holden added: "We'll take him home and point-to-point, maybe run under Rules, he is for resale if all goes well."
Lot 27 at @tatts_ireland Derby Sale, a full brother to champion DOUVAN, sells for €140,000 to Michael Shefflin. Huge potential in this athletic son of @grangestud Walk In The Park (IRE). #DerbySale pic.twitter.com/8nN6inU24z
— ITM (@IREthoroughbred) June 26, 2019
