Golantilla, a hugely-impressive winner of a bumper at Cork last Saturday, has been bought by leading owner Barry Connell for 375,000 euros.

An easy winner of a point-to-point in December, he was taken to Cheltenham's Brightwells Sale where he failed to reach his reserve price of £190,000. His trainer Sean O'Brien brought him back home determined to show his high opinion of him was not misplaced and it proved a wise move as he hacked up by 13 lengths.

The five-year-old will now join trainer Tony Martin and is expected to be prepared for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in March, for which he is a general 12-1 chance.

"He only did what we expected of him and it's great to be vindicated. He didn't sell at Cheltenham and I can understand people not wanting to pay so much for him, but I've always said he's different class to anything we've ever had," said O'Brien.

"A lot of horses look impressive in point-to-points and I can see why they wouldn't take the risk as most don't go on, but this lad can only improve as the trip to the sales took a bit out of him.

"The intention is still to go for the Cheltenham bumper I believe, and he'll take a lot of beating. It would be nice to think we might go over to see him at Cheltenham and I'll be cheering him home as much as anyone."

O'Brien admits it will be difficult to replace what he describe as "the horse of a lifetime".

"It would be a dream for us to have a runner in Cheltenham but we're only a small operation and when that sort of money comes along, you can't turn it down," he said.

"My mother owns him and it's a bit mixed feelings for her. My dad bred him but passed away in October. It's sad to see the horse go but it's a life-changing amount of money. I've got his full-brother and sister at home so I'm hoping they're as good as him.

"I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot more about him. He's the horse of a lifetime."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests