Caldwell Potter topped the Andy and Gemma Brown’s Tattersalls Ireland dispersal sale at Fairyhouse on Monday, fetching a new record for a National Hunt horse sold at public auction.
The Browns, whose horses run under the Caldwell Construction name, made the decision to end their association with the sport following the death of young hurdler D B Cooper on the racetrack.
The dispersal featured 29 lots, including the dual purpose performer Pied Piper and Champion Chase entry Fil Dor, with Caldwell Potter expected to be the highlight.
The six-year-old grey gelding, formerly trained by Gordon Elliott, won the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas and is expected to be a major player at this year's Cheltenham Festival. Whilst bidding only started at €100,000, it soon became a head-to-head battle between bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley and trainer Gordon Elliott and surpassed the previous record for a National Hunt horse at public auction of £620,000.
Caldwell Potter was knocked down to Anthony Bromley for €720,000, who was representing an ownership group which includes Sir Alex Ferguson, John Hales, Ged Mason and Peter Done. The gelding will be trained by Paul Nicholls in the UK and should have a live chance in either the Supreme Novices' Hurdle or the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle.
