BIG HANDICAPS AWAIT SEPTEMBER SALE TOP LOT LOS BLANCO
Oct 2, 2026
Henry de Bromhead’s support of ThoroughBid was once again highlighted as his Los Blanco was top lot in the September Sale. The maiden hurdle-winning son of Masked Marvel was knocked down for £22,000 to Andy Irvine and crosses the Irish Sea to join the handler’s Sussex operation. Irvine has already earmarked a few nice pots at which he will target his new purchase.
Speaking to ThoroughBid, Irvine said: “I had my eye on a few in the sale, particularly Kenny's Jewel, but then Los Blanco caught the eye of one of my owners and we were keen to get him. I think we got him for a really nice price too! He's a lightly raced horse so we should be able to have plenty of fun with him around our local tracks, such as Plumpton, Lingfield, Windsor, and hopefully Ascot if he's good enough!"
"He's rated 120 over in Ireland so it will be interesting to see what he's rated when he comes over here. The plan will be to aim for one of the big £50,000 handicaps at Plumpton. Hopefully he’s lucky for us."
Minella Buoy was the second-highest lot of the sale, with bloodstock agent Darren O’Dwyer purchasing the three-year-old for £20,000 from regular consignor John Nallen on behalf of new owners. The gelding is set to join Gary Hanmer’s yard in England, with O’Dwyer believing he offers plenty of options for his new connections, both over hurdles and on the Flat.
Darren O’Dwyer, Bloodstock Agent and purchaser, commented: “Minella Buoy’s been consistent in his Juvenile and Maiden hurdles over summer, and has shown a lot more promise over hurdles than he did on the Flat. He’s coming to England and is going to Gary Hanmer’s for new owners of his, and he’ll give them a lot of fun as he can run on the Flat on the all-weather during the winter, and he can also start straight away in juvenile hurdles. This gives the owners plenty of options going forward.
“It’s the first horse for the owners, and as an agent, you’re always looking for the best price possible for the connections, and for what he’s done so far, I think he’s a bit of value at £20,000. If he can come out and win and give them a lot of fun, he’s done his job.
“I’ve always got on well with using ThoroughBid. There’s a great team behind it, they do a great job. They’re always there to help before, during and after sales. It’s easy and transparent.”
Kenny’s Jewel, offered by another renowned Irish trainer Mags Mullins, was another notable lot, selling to Brett Little for £10,000.
James Richardson, CEO of ThoroughBid, reacted to the sale: “The September Sale was a really busy day of bidding, including several getting involved from overseas, and we’re pleased to see lots of satisfied consigners and purchasers at the end of it.
“Los Blanco sold well to Andy Irvine, who looks to have some exciting plans ahead for him, while Minella Buoy was another notable sale to Darren O’Dwyer on behalf of Gary Hanmer. It’s encouraging to see horses attracting interest from both established and newer owners, and the spread of trade was encouraging to see across the board. We were also delighted to once again have Mags Mullins selling this month. Her Kenny’s Jewel looks shrewdly purchased by Brett Little and looks to be a highly promising type.
“We’re thrilled with the range of people involved in the September Sale and would like to once again thank all the vendors for their support. All attention now turns to the October Sale, with entries closing on Monday 19th October.”
ThoroughBid's next sale is on Friday 30th October, where point-to-point horses sold will be eligible for the increased Point2Rules Bonus, now worth £10,000 in total, with £5,000 to consignor and £5,000 to purchaser.