In a rare move, the winner of the 2023 Caulfield Guineas, Griff, is now available for purchase online. While the four-year-old colt hasn’t retired from racing yet, he is set to start a career at stud in the future. The decision to sell Griff has surprised many, as not many G1-winning horses are sold before their racing career ends.
Griff’s Racing Success
Griff, trained by Ciaron Maher, became a star when he won the prestigious Caulfield Guineas in 2023 at 30-1 odds. This victory earned him over $1.8 million out of his total $2.2 million career earnings from 15 races. His win at the Caulfield Guineas was a big moment in Australian horse racing, and it made him a valuable colt. Despite his success, his owner, Sean Griffiths, has chosen to sell him. Griffiths bought Griff as a yearling for $80,000, and now, the horse is being offered on the Inglis Digital platform for a bid starting at $120,000.
What’s Next for Griff?
Although Griff’s 2024 season hasn’t been as successful as expected, he remains a valuable horse due to his past achievements. He hasn’t won any races this year, and his performances have been less than impressive in his last few starts. However, his trainer, Ciaron Maher, has planned several big races in 2025 for Griff, including the Doncaster, All Aged, and the Stradbroke at Eagle Farm. These races could boost his value even further, depending on his performance.
Future Breeding Rights
After Griff’s sale, his owner will still hold onto five lifetime breeding rights for when Griff eventually retires from racing. This means Griffiths will continue to benefit from Griff’s future career as a stud. This is an important aspect of the sale, as many buyers see potential in Griff for breeding purposes after his racing days are over.
Other Horses for Sale
Along with Griff, several other horses are also up for sale through the Inglis Digital platform. These include horses trained by Godolphin, such as Barber, Blue Illusion, and Pantelone. Other horses, like Dual Pressure, a four-year-old gelding, are also gaining attention due to strong performances in recent races. These horses, along with Griff, show how the racing world is always moving, with new opportunities for buyers looking to invest in promising racehorses.
Griff’s sale highlights the changing nature of horse racing, where big names can be sold before they retire from the track. Even though Griff’s 2024 season hasn’t been as good as hoped, his past success and future potential make him a highly sought-after horse. As buyers place bids, the racing world will be watching to see where Griff’s career takes him next.