Before the first hour of selling was complete on Friday morning we had our first million dollar horse for the fourth session of Magic Millions with the Coolmore consigned I Am Invincible colt from Booker living up to the pre-sale talk.

The much admired first foal of Group I MRC Oakleigh Plate winner Booker, he sparked keen competition with champion trainer Ciaron Maher placing the winning bid at $2.5million.

Maher declared the colt as the most expensive yearling he’s ever bought.

“It gets a bit daunting,” Maher revealed.

“For a yearling, that’s the highest I have ever gone. But they’re only expensive if they’re slow and hopefully he’s not that.”

“I’ve seen him before he started his yearling prep. He’s a smashing type. He stood out. With that pedigree he was always going to be a high price and we had a bit more to go as well.

“Ideally he’ll win a Slipper and a Coolmore. Really looking forward to it.

“He ticks all the boxes physically and mentally.”

Maher has had success with I Am Invincible, notably through his Champion 3YO filly Loving Gaby and Group I winning sprinter Marabi.

“We’ve had some super horses (I Am Invincible) through the stable. We’ve got a really nice colt now called Garza Blanca, Loving Gaby was a banner horse and hopefully this bloke is the next one,” Maher said.

“That’s the aim of the game to get him back in the barn as a stallion. He certainly looks the part now and can go all the way.

“I have a syndicate of owners ready to go into the horse and Coolmore have a share as well.”

A daughter of champion sire Written Tycoon and sister to stakes-winner Banquo, Booker was purchased by Tom Magnier for $1.6million at the 2020 Inglis Chairman’s Sale off the track and sent to I Am Invincible in her first season at stud with this dazzling colt the result.

“We’re very happy. He’s been a lovely colt all week,” said Tom Magnier.

“The best of luck to him. I think he’s a champion, the horse. He’s the best horse we’ve taken to a sale in a long time.

“He’s been very popular and all the top people were on him, so I’m delighted for Ciaron Maher.”

Booker produced a filly last spring by I Am Invincible and is now in foal to his champion son Home Affairs in his first season at stud.

Images: Magic Millions