Godolphin have purchased exciting two-year-old Celtic Silence from British Horseracing Board chairman Peter Savill for an undisclosed sum, it was announced yesterday.
The Mark Johnston-trained colt will move to Godolphin's Evry base and will continue his two-year-old campaign with David Loder before wintering in Dubai, according to the operation's official website.
The son of Celtic Swing is unbeaten in two starts, winning an Ayr maiden by three and a half lengths before capturing the listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Celtic Silence is from the first crop of his sire, the champion European two-year-old in 1994 and winner of the French Derby the following year. Johnson was understanding about Savill's decision to sell the colt: "It's been in the offing since Royal Ascot but the final vetting happened yesterday. "It's sad and I'm sure Mr Savill is sad to sell him but that's the commercial situation in Britain."
Pat Eddery extended his lead in the British jockeys' championship when riding a 17 to 1 treble at Yarmouth yesterday.
The 11-times champion moved on to the 71-winner mark for the season, five ahead of his nearest pursuer, Kevin Darley, who drew a blank from his five rides at Hamilton.
