Robbie Laing’s Missrock fetches massive $2.3 million as Queen’s rep grabs quality mare at Magic Millions Broodmare Sale

A horse fit for the Queen? Maybe not, but that didn’t stop her majesty’s bloodstock agent putting down $2.3 million for Missrock at the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast.

Robbie Laing’s prediction that Missrock was worth $2 million was proved spot on when the five-year-old mare sold for $2.3 million on Tuesday at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast.

“I’ve been saying for 12 months after she ran her second second in The Goodwood that’s what she’s worth,” the mare’s former trainer said.

Laing purchased her for stable clients, Ray and Susie Montague at the 2015 Magic Millions sale for $500,000.

“It’s been a good story. She won $1.4 million and was sold for $2.3 million. Not many get that sort of a result,” Laing said.

Laing said he was always confident Missrock would bring a big price when sold as a broodmare.

“She’s a magnificent type. She’s by Fastnet Rock, her great grand-dam is Lady Jakeo and she’s finished second twice in Group 1 race.”

Missrock last raced when she finished 14th in the Newmarket Handicap.

There was a rumour that Missrock had been purchased for the Queen Elizabeth as she was bought by her racing manager John Warren and his son Jake but that’s not the case.

The Warrens did their bidding over the phone and bought her for a private client of Highclere Stud and she will head to the United Kingdom.

Jake Warren said they were in awe of her conformation and planned to send her to a top European stallion with the plan to breed “a classic horse”.

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“While they were here they earmarked some of the best mares in our catalogue and had a client who wanted to spend some money here in Australia,” Bowditch said.

“They liked her before they left so they flew home and called me (Tuesday) morning and asked me to call when she came in.

“I’m not entirely sure if the horse is for the Queen, I don’t think it is. I have had a few big deals but that would be right up there.”

Former smart sprinter Missrock was sold for $2.3 million. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Missrock was purchased for $500,000 at the 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale and went on to win $1.39 million in prizemoney.

The five-year-old mare won four of her 34 starts including the Group 3 Percy Sykes Stakes, Listed Carlyon Stakes and Inglis Debutant Stakes.

Among the other major sales was 2018 Hollindale Stakes winner Oregon’s Day who was bought for $1 million by Canungra-based racing and breeding powerhouse Aquis Farm.

Magic Millions chief executive Barry Bowditch on the phone to the Queen’s bloodstock agent. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Ray and Susie Montague owned 60 per cent of Missrock and the couple from South Yarra, Victoria, were on hand to witness an emotional final farewell of the horse.

“We were a bundle of nerves,” Susie Montague said.

“It was like watching a Group 1 race and it’s as good as a Group 1 win.

“She was our first big purchase. We have a lot of good friends who have come in to Missrock so we felt a bit responsible to make sure she got every opportunity.”

Laing said his three-year-old colt Stars Of Carrum had arrived in Brisbane and had settled in well and would run in the P.J O’Shea Stakes (2200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

“He’s got an outside draw. He’ll go back and hit the line strongly and then he’ll be better suited against his own age and at Eagle Farm the following week in the Queensland Derby,” Laing said.

Jockey Jason Benbow had a heavy fall in the opening race at Sale yesterday from Postmistress. He was taken to Sale Hospital with a suspected fracture in the lower leg.

Warren and son Jake Warren, whose daughter Zalie is the goddaughter of Prince Harry and attended the wedding of he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, were on the Coast last week for the weanling sale where they discovered Missrock before their return home on the weekend.

Originally published as Robbie Laing’s Missrock fetches massive $2.3 million as Queen’s rep grabs quality mare at Magic Millions Broodmare Sale