Ninja has been valued at $5.5 million after a one per cent share in the Everest-bound four-year-old changed hands for $55,000 in an online sale. The Michael Freedman-trained gelding attracted strong interest following an impressive barrier trial victory at Randwick.
Ninja defeated Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising in that trial on Tuesday, with the Australian sprinter reportedly doing so with plenty in reserve. The performance added further interest around the son of Farnan ahead of his expected appearance in The Everest, and the value placed on the small ownership share reflected that growing profile.
The one per cent interest was purchased by Grafton-area owner David Blumberg, who has been involved in racehorses for around 15 years. Blumberg had followed Ninja for some time and was already keen on securing a share before the Randwick trial.
The trial victory, however, strengthened his resolve.
Blumberg will now have a stake in one of Australia’s most prominent sprinting contenders, with Ninja being prepared for the $20 million Group 1 The Everest. The ownership interest could also extend beyond the Randwick feature, with the Golden Eagle a possible target later in the spring.
For Blumberg, the purchase represents an opportunity to become involved in a major race through a relatively small ownership share. He also praised the ease of the online purchasing process and the amount of information available to prospective owners.
Ninja Valuation Rises After Randwick Trial
The timing of the sale proved significant. Ninja’s victory over Ka Ying Rising came only a day before the ownership interest was sold, creating considerable attention around the horse.
Gary Diamond, who offered the one per cent share, was delighted with the final result. The small percentage made the opportunity accessible to a wider group of owners, while Ninja’s Group 1 prospects and his place in the Everest picture added to the appeal.
Diamond also credited the strong interest generated around the horse in the lead-up to the sale. He indicated that the result had encouraged him to consider offering shares in other quality horses in the future.
Defensemen Tops October Sale
The overall highest-priced horse in the October sale was Defensemen, a Chris Waller-trained gelding offered by Coolmore, which was purchased for $200,000 by We Bloodstock.
The transaction marked We Bloodstock’s first purchase through the online platform. The four-year-old will remain in Australia initially before a decision is made on whether the horse will continue his career in Hong Kong.
Defensemen was one of several notable transactions during the sale. Bogey Free reached $190,000, while a five per cent share in three-year-old filly Cherry Bomshell changed hands for $60,000.
The Cherry Bomshell purchase was made by Jo Borg of ML Thoroughbreds, who had previously acquired a 2.5 per cent share in Decorum. That horse subsequently won at Rosehill, encouraging Borg to take another ownership interest.
The October (Early) Sale produced a total turnover of $2,178,050, underlining the continued interest in shared ownership opportunities and quality racehorses.
Attention will now turn to the October (Late) Sale, scheduled from October 16 to 21. Among the confirmed entries is Confederation, a lightly raced three-year-old colt trained by Chris Waller and already twice Group-placed from five starts.
With Ninja heading towards The Everest and further major races potentially ahead, the $5.5 million valuation gives a clear indication of the interest surrounding the talented sprinter as the spring carnival gathers momentum.
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