Select Sale 2024 was held at the Northern Horse Park in Hokkaido, on the first day of the yearling auction, 233 horses were listed. '23 ex Delphinia sold for 590 million JPY, setting a record for the yearling division. TN Racing and Danox Ltd, known for their suffix "Danone", and Susumu Fujita of "Uma Musume" fame purchased multiple horses, making the auction a competitive market at the top end. Stallion power was on show with six million horses by Epiphaneia and five by Kitasan Black. (*All prices excluding tax)

The moment the hammer fell, the audience erupted in applause. '23 ex Delphinia colt by Kitasan Black was sold to Rodeo Japan for 590 million JPY, the second highest bid in the history of the sale and the highest in the yearling session.

His dam was a two-time G1 runner-up in the British G1 races. His half-sister is Best Me Ever, who finished third in this year's Listed Sweet Pea Stakes. Eisuke Tokutake, manager of the Shadai Stallion Station, said, "He has European gravitas, and the speed of Sakura Bakushin O the dam of Kitasan Black matches that. He has good bone and his movement is big and smooth. He is just like his father, Kitasan Black".

On the same day, a 400 million JPY horse by the same sire made an appearance. There were many bidders, but I hope they will continue to compete and make the race more exciting.