Coolmore have confirmed the purchase of Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, who will stand at their American arm, Ashford Stud, in Kentucky. The Japanese-owned colt was sold over the weekend to the Co Tipperary-based operation.
Coolmore spokesman Richard Henry was unwilling to disclose the selling price, but industry sources have estimated a figure of $60-$70 million. The previous record for a stallion prospect was $40 million, paid for Shareef Dancer in 1983.
Fusaichi Pegasus was bought by Tokyo multimillionaire Fusao Sekiguchi as a yearling in 1998 for $4 million at the Keeneland July Sales, where Coolmore were among the under-bidders. His sire, the legendary Mr Prospector, died last year, at the age of 29.
He will probably race at least once more. Trainer Neil Drysdale plans to run him at the Breeders' Cup meeting at Churchill Downs on November 4th.
Richard Quinn's chances of landing a first jockeys' championship title suffered a blow yesterday when the Scot was handed a six-day suspension - with a further two days deferred until the end of September - at a Jockey Club disciplinary committee hearing.
Quinn had been referred to Portman Square by the Royal Ascot racecourse stewards when adjudged to have used excessive force in securing fourth place for Shibboleth in the St James's Palace Stakes.
Cash Asmussen is set to partner Montjeu in Sunday's Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, trainer John Hammond confirmed yesterday.
The Texan comes in for the ride on the champion middle-distance performer as regular jockey Michael Kinane will be claimed to ride for Aidan O'Brien at the Curragh this weekend.
Asmussen was on board Montjeu for both his Derby successes last year, at Chantilly and the Curragh before losing the ride to Kinane in the run-up to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
