Nicky Henderson says his new €1.4 million (£1.2m) buy Palladium has a future over hurdles, however a Flat marketing campaign subsequent summer season is also on the agenda for this yr’s German Derby winner.
Purchased on the gross sales in France on Saturday, Palladium turned probably the most costly horse to be despatched over jumps when passing the report value set by Regent’s Stroll, who returned to Paul Nicholls after fetching £660,000 on the Goffs Summer time Sale at Doncaster in July.
Skilled in Germany this season by Henk Grewe, the Gleneagles colt was final seen when ending final of six within the Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne behind the Charlie Appleby-trained Insurgent’s Romance.
Henderson, who revealed that Palladium had arrived at Seven Barrows in the midst of the evening, mentioned there was no agency plan but for his thrilling recruit.
“We’re very fortunate and privileged to have such a stunning colt – he actually is an excellent particular person,” he mentioned. “He’s already received a Group 1 within the German Derby and he has a really stout pedigree. Being such a well-bred horse, he may simply have stallion potential.”
He added: “Though he’ll most likely see a hurdle at some stage, we’ve each intention of constant on the Flat subsequent season with some high-class races in thoughts, and he’s staying a colt for that motive. He received’t run once more this autumn.
“His worth is the very fact he can run in Group 1 races throughout Europe subsequent summer season and Royal Ascot involves thoughts. Who is aware of, he may even be a horse for the Melbourne Cup.”
Palladium, who was purchased for Traditional-winning proprietor Woman Bamford, is a half-brother to Panjari, who additionally began on the Flat earlier than switching codes and successful thrice for Paul Nicholls final season. He represents one other high-profile buy to affix Henderson’s Lambourn yard.
Minella Premier, a four-year-old son of Shantou who received his sole point-to-point in Eire by 12 lengths, was bought for £400,000 on the Goffs UK Spring gross sales in Could earlier than being switched to Seven Barrows. A marketing campaign over hurdles appears to be like doubtless.
