LEADING owner Clive Washbourn is known for his hilarious post-race antics on the track.
His enthusiasm is infectious and the sales ring at Tattersalls got a taste of it on Monday.
PA:Press AssociationThundering Blue, perhaps the best horse to carry Clive Washbourn’s colours[/caption]
Washbourn was at the December Yearling Sale with trainer David Menuisier, who trains most of his horses.
The owner had a Pinatubo colt out of Narak offered by Eddie O’Leary’s Lynn Lodge Stud in his sights and was in no mood to give him up.
Top trainer Richard Hannon had bid 170,000gns, but his spirit was quickly broken when Washbourn jumped out of his seat and loudly proclaimed: “Two hundred! Show us your money.”
That was quickly followed by a shout of “get in there!” as the hammer went down, which was met by hearty cheers from those in the gangway.
Washbourn told Racing Post: “He is the greatest colt in the sale, this sale is amazing value for money because quite often you get Book 1 rejects.
“These Pinatubos look like middleweight fighters – this thing will be smashing Coolmore up the Ascot straight!”
It was anxious moments for Washbourn, however, who almost didn’t get the apple of his eye.
He added: “I thought I might not be able to get him because Laura, my lovely girlfriend, was supposed to keep me under control and I lost the plot and bought a Mohaather out of the ether [for 50,000gns] earlier on.
“For us, this colt is a four-star rating. He’s as near to Thundering Blue as we’ve ever had. I sent David [Menuisier] up here and he called me to say, ‘God this colt is beautiful’, so that was it.
“If anyone is going to train this colt to be a Group 1 winner it’s David. I love him – he’s grumpy and probably not user friendly but he’s a real horseman.”
Washbourn is best known for his wild celebrations on track, including when his Caius Chorister won in France last month.
He reckons she’ll take all the beating in the Gold Cup and issued a warning to King Charles, who will present the trophy next year.
He said: “This horse next year will take all the beating in the Ascot Gold Cup. And The King has to put up with my celebrations!”
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