Godolphin’s strategy of refreshing its Australian bloodstock ranks with purchases at public auction was in evidence this week when four attractively-bred yearlings were bought for a total of A$1,950,000 in Sydney.

The two colts and two fillies are to be put into training with Godolphin’s Head Trainer in Australia James Cummings, with hopes that they can make their mark on the racecourse before becoming valuable Darley stallions or broodmares.

They were purchased at an average of A$487,000 in a diversification program that has seen up to 20 youngsters snapped up by the ‘Royal Blue’ in recent months.

Expectations that the Australian Easter Yearling Sale at Warwick Farm would set stellar sales figures were exceeded when 22 lots sold for A$1m or more, and 71 lots went under the hammer for A$500,000 or more.

Godolphin’s Vin Cox, Managing Director of Godolphin in Australia, said: “We have bought some lovely types, who we feel are nice prospects for the future.

“If the colts can win the right races, they can one day retire to Darley as one of our stallions,” he pointed out.

The colts purchased are a son of record-breaker Snitzel for A$450,000, and a son of Brazen Beau for A$400,000, while the fillies are a daughter of More Than Ready for A$400,000 and, the most expensive of the quartet, a daughter of I Am Invincible for A$700,000.

“We are trying to expand our pedigrees and achieve diversification of the racing profile of our bloodstock,” Cox explained.

“But, more than anything, just participating in the general economy of the thoroughbred business is part of it, something Godolphin and Darley hasn’t done for over the best part of a decade.

“Just being there supporting our breeders and clients is important,” he added.

Cox said the current sales policy was a “50-50 split between buying progeny of our own stallions and those from outside the Darley stallions ranks.”

Cummings, who is looking forward to welcoming the new blood to his stables, said: “Godolphin can see the value of buying on the open market. Being active in that area is advantageous to our operation, and we are looking forward to racing these horses,” he pointed out.