Just the Judge Colt Sells for €1.4M

The first foal out of Qatar Racing's Irish 1,000 Guineas and E. P. Taylor Stakes winner Just The Judge lived up to his star billing when selling for €1.4m at the Arqana August Yearling Sale.

Just The Judge went through the ring at the 2014 Tattersalls December Mares Sale to dissolve a partnership and, having been bought for 4.5m guineas by Qatar Racing and China Horse Club, her first offspring was also offered for sale (pictured).

Born and raised at Tweenhills but consigned by Gwen Monneraye and Lucie Lamotte's La Motteraye, the strapping son of Dubawi showed beautifully for many would-be buyers at Arqana, including John O'Connor who signed for the colt on behalf of Ballylinch Stud. Tweenhills' own David Redvers was underbidder.

The colt was the only lot at the sale to break the €1m mark, and hails from a family Ballylinch know well as her fifth dam Mesopotamia established a significant dynasty at Ballylinch.

O'Connor said: "He was a gorgeous, imposing colt with a great walk, all the things I like in a horse. The Mesopotamia family has been associated with Ballylinch for generations so it's a family we know well and in some ways he's coming home." Just The Judge's dam Faraday Light raced in the Ballylinch silks.

As well as being a great result for Qatar Racing, China Hose Club and Tweenhills, the sale also represented a first sales-topper at the sale for La Motteraye, as well as its first seven-figure return.

Just The Judge remains at Tweenhills as part of the broodmare band with the likes of fellow dual Gr. 1 winner Simple Verse, Gr. 2 winner Rich Legacy and last December's 1.8m guineas purchase Wekeela.

We wish the colt's new owners the best of luck.