Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions
Lot : 449 Elusive Jewel (Al Maher x Blue Ruby (Lonhro) - $100,000
Buyer: Phoenix Broodmare Farm
Vendor: North, Scone, NSW
New South Wales-based breeder Damien Gleeson of Phoenix Broodmare Farm was more than happy to part with $100,000 for the well-related stakes winner Elusive Jewel (Al Maher) on the opening day of the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale. The 6-year-old mare, a half-sister to G2 Autumn S. winner Glint Of Silver, boasts an impressive career as a stakes performer and multiple-city winner from her 19 starts.
This acquisition is particularly fitting for Gleeson, who has a history with the mare’s family. He was involved in the logistics of the mating that produced Chain Of Lightning (Fighting Sun), who was sold just minutes earlier for $2,500,000 to Zhijun Zhao.
Damien Gleeson
“We actually did the walk-in for the cover that resulted in Chain Of Lightning, so we know the family quite well,” Gleeson said.
Elusive Jewel, presented by North, is a daughter of the city-winning Lonhro mare Blue Ruby and belongs to a high-class family that includes The Everest winner Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) and five-time Group 1 winner Racing To Win (Encosta De Lago).
“I first identified this mare at the Inglis Broodmare Sale, but she was withdrawn. When she came up here, I followed her closely and earmarked her as my main target for the sale,” Gleeson explained.
“I'm really excited to buy her. I like Dancing Show, who is in her pedigree, she’s a really nice mare to mate and I think she’ll throw nice types. She’s got a very good pedigree, highlighted by Chain of Lightning obviously selling well today.
“I'm really excited to buy her (Elusive Jewel)... She’s got a very good pedigree, highlighted by Chain of Lightning obviously selling well today.” - Damien Gleeson
“She was a talented performer on the track with a great temperament and an excellent walk. She ticked all the boxes, and I’m still amazed we secured her for that price.”
Gleeson has already started planning potential matings for Elusive Jewel, highlighting her versatility. “She pairs well with Alabama Express and The Autumn Sun, both offering a double cross to Dancing Show so they will be the primary stallions we consider,” he said.
