While we may be in the peak of the flat season, the National Hunt scene refuses to linger in the shadows as a gorgeous grey caught the attention at the sales.
Willie Mullins‘ main agent Harold Kirk clashed with another leading agent in Tom Malone. The pair exchanged numerous increases of £5,000, before Kirk sealed the deal at £250,000. The grey in question, named Shallaho, is a half-brother to Allaho.
The Cheveley Park-owned son of No Risk At All was a ten-time winner for Willie Mullins. He was out of the top three just twice over obstacles and a dual winner of the Ryanair Chase.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Harold Kirk said: “I thought he was one of the top lots in this sale. He’s the most gorgeous horse. He’s a lovely colour, he’s got Allaho in the pedigree. And Nirvana Du Berlais has had two Grade 1 winners in his second crop. He ticks a lot of boxes so he was always going to make a lot of money. He’s the most beautiful horse.”
Nirvana Du Berlais was a Grade 1 winning hurdler at Auteuil, hailing from a talented jumping family himself. As the sire of Lulamba, his stock is becoming highly sought after.
“He walked like he owned the place” – Harold Kirk
Kirk continued, saying: “I think that’s the first Nirvana Du Berlais we’ve had. I’ve watched his progress in France and tried to buy a couple but they made too much money. Allaho was a superstar though. Okay, he wasn’t that colour but this horse has a very similar shape and movement and size.
“Even when he was walking around the parade ring he walked like he owned the place. You’re always looking for little weaknesses. This is the closest they’ll get to a racecourse at this stage in their lives. But he never put a foot wrong. His mind looks very good and he’s obviously coming from a good vendor, again. He was one of my top picks.
Harold Kirk and Willie Mullins have become a formidable force in the ring, and Kirk discussed their wider strategy: “A very clever man told me one time, ‘Try and buy the ones you want.’ Now, we’re lucky to be in this position. Willie Mullins wasn’t always in that position, but if he can’t do it now, we never will.
“He and his team have made that position for themselves; it’s all teamwork. We’ve come here and bought cheap horses many times too. But we’re lucky enough to have the owners to back us.”