A half brother to Group One winner King’s Rose has fetched $NZ1.75 million ($A1.36 million) at New Zealand’s Premier Yearling sale.

David Ellis of Te Akau Stud won out in a bidding duel with Irish conglomerate Coolmore to secure the Fastnet Rock colt out of Nureyev’s Girl.

Ellis said he was determined to secure the colt.

“I really wanted him for the New Zealand breeding industry,” Ellis said.

“It is essential we retain horses like this.

“I knew Coolmore would be on and I had my first bid at $1.45 (million).

After a sluggish start on day one, Tuesday’s session got off to a good start with Hong Kong buyer Willie Leung paying $800,000 for a three-quarter brother to weight-for-age champion So You Think.

Ellis said 75 per cent of the sale topping colt had already been sold and he expected to finalise the remaining shares over the next few days.