Bush Hill Stud: More Excitement Around Curved Ball(AUS) This week has seen more exciting news for the connections and supporters of Curved Ball, the first and only son of international sire sensation Fastnet Rock, at stud in South Africa. Fastnet Rock has enjoyed some outstanding results at the 2013 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale posting his best ever sales average, and providing five of the nine yearlings that sold for $1 million and upwards. Fastnet Rock had 39 yearlings who achieved an average of $ 592 821 almost double his average price from last year’s sale where he sold 38 yearlings at an average of $ 305 526. His highest price was $ 4-million for a stunning colt from Gr 1 winner River Dove. Consigned by Cressfield, the colt was one of the most admired on the grounds and was singled out as the best colt in the sale by two of the best judges in the business in Emirates Park General Manager Trevor Lobb and leading trainer John Hawkes. He was knocked down to Emirates Park at $4million and will race for His Excellency Nasser Lootah and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. His other highlights included the half-brother to champion sprinter Starspangledbanner that made $2.4 million for Tyreel as agent for Makybe when bought by John Warren for Coolmore/ China Horse Club and a glorious filly from US Group I winner Mani Bhavan (USA) that made $1.55 million for Kia Ora Stud when secured by James Bester Bloodstock to be the highest priced filly of the sale. Also cracking seven figures was the colt from US Group II winner Dream Play (USA) that made $1.5 million for Kia Ora Stud when purchased by Tom Magnier for Coolmore/ China Horse Club and the filly from Park Esteem (IRE) that was offered by Cressfield and bought by Peter Moody for $1-million. Fastnet Rock is already a champion sire in terms of racetrack results, but he is now adding to this by proving himself to be a champion sire in commercial terms in the sales ring. With his oldest Northern Hemisphere bred progeny due to race as two-year olds this year the outstanding son of Danehill is well poised for even greater success. Curved Ball showed incredible potential as a racehorse winning the Dingaans in only his third start before having his career curtailed by injury. Being out of a mare by Zabeel, he represents the most significantly successful cross with his sire and as such offers a host of mating options to the South African breeder. His first foals are due in 2013. Please contact Warwick Render at Bush Hill Stud for more information at 082 872 7799 or 082 896 4809 or email bushhillstud@futurenet.co.za