Phoenix Of Spain recorded 42 per cent winners to runners with his first two-year-olds in 2023

The Irish National Stud resident’s best performers are Vintage Stakes winner and Superlative Stakes runner-up Haatem, and Mill Reef Stakes fourth Spanish Phoenix.

He also has several exciting lightly raced horses to his credit, including Alpheratz, Dancingwithmyself, Indalo, Order Of The Phoenix and Pedro Valentino, all of whom broke their maidens in October or November.

Phoenix Of Spain’s second crop of yearlings were consequently in quite strong demand this autumn, selling for an average of just under €36,000, which was three times the cost of their conception.

The son of Lope De Vega’s former trainer Charlie Hills bought two of the most expensive lots with McKeever Bloodstock: a half-sister to Keeneland Grade 2 winner California Angel who cost €95,000 at Goffs, and a half-brother to John Smith’s Cup winner Pivoine who made 80,000gns at Tattersalls.