Pinhooking, the high-stakes game of buying yearlings cheap and selling them dear, reached new heights at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Fearghal Hogan of Apollo Bloodstock turned a €120,000 investment into an 800,000gns payday, a staggering 6600% return in just eleven months.

“I’m on cloud nine,” said Hogan, who bought the son of St Mark’s Basilica at the Goffs November Sale. “I knew we had interest at the two to three hundred thousand level, but to see the heavy hitters bringing that kind of money was unbelievable. It’s life-changing.”

Racing Post

St Mark’s Basilica’s Rising Star

Hogan’s lucky break came with his timing. St Mark’s Basilica, still unproven when Hogan bought the colt, has since established himself as a sire of note, with 16 winners and five black-type performers to his name, including the Group 1-winning filly Diamond Necklace.

“I gave plenty for the foal, but I loved the individual and the stallion,” Hogan reminisced. “I was confident in the last few weeks as runners started to perform. It’s a fantastic feeling to see that belief rewarded.”

Looking Ahead: Reinvesting and Expansion

Hogan, based at Churchland Stud on the Curragh, plans to reinvest his windfall into more stock or bricks and mortar. “If I have some money left after paying a few bills, I’ll definitely be back at the foal sales. There are a lot of people who’ve been good to me, and I want to thank them,” he said.

His parting comment encapsulates the resilience and optimism required in pinhooking: “This is a great game if you can make it work. You have to keep going, take chances, and work hard. One day, everyone will get their day in the sun.”

Monster Pinhook: David Weston’s Millionaire Dream

Another successful pinhook at the sale was a Wootton Bassett filly, three-parts sister to Facteur Cheval. David Weston of Flintstone Stud bought her for 380,000gns at the December Foal Sale, only to see her resold for 800,000gns to Godolphin.

“We were looking for a foal with a pedigree,” Weston explained. “We were looking for a filly that could become a broodmare if the worst came to the worst. We thought we could come back here and get 650,000gns to 750,000gns, but it’s great to see her make a million.”

Weston isn’t stopping there. “Selling a horse for a million is the target,” he said. “Whatever your business, you have to set a target and have a dream goal. If we work hard and are lucky, maybe one day we’ll do it.”

More from Tattersalls

• ‘Give me a Gold Cup anytime!’ – Amo Racing move for Gigginstown House-bred Night Of Thunder colt at 1,700,000gns
• ‘This is my best day in the sales ring, it’s very emotional’ – a new high for Luca Cumani as Frankel colt fetches 2,200,000gns
• ‘If he’s a very good horse he’s going to be a stallion’ – Amo Racing outmuscle Coolmore for 3,600,000gns Frankel colt

FAQs

What is pinhooking?

Pinhooking is the practice of buying young, untrained horses (yearlings) and reselling them for a profit at a later stage, often during sales.

How long did it take Fearghal Hogan to see a return on his investment?

It took Fearghal Hogan eleven months to see a return on his investment.

What was the return on Fearghal Hogan’s investment?

Fearghal Hogan saw a return of 6600% on his investment.

What was the final sale price of the Wootton Bassett filly?

The final sale price of the Wootton Bassett filly was 800,000gns.

Pro Tip: The Art of Pinhooking

Pinhooking is all about timing, instincts, and taking calculated risks. Know your market, invest in quality, and always remember: lucky breaks favor the prepared mind.