Zougotcha cemented her place in Australian sales history on Tuesday, fetching a staggering $5.25 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, making her the second most expensive mare ever sold in the country.

The daughter of Zoustar, trained by Chris Waller, was purchased by Tom Magnier of Coolmore Stud, with plans for her to be served by their elite shuttle stallion Wootton Bassett, who will stand this season for an unprecedented $385,000 including GST.

“With Wootton Bassett returning, it gives us great confidence to invest in mares like this. What he’s doing globally is incredible,” said Magnier. “We’re close to the Waller team and Sophie Baker, and these mares they bring to market are truly blue-chip quality.”

Zougotcha won eight of her 18 starts, including Group 1 victories in the Flight Stakes (1600m), Coolmore Classic (1500m), and Queen Of The Turf (1600m). Her sale trails only Imperatriz, who was purchased for $6.6 million last year.

The bidding started aggressively, with three parties immediately offering $1 million before the price escalated in $250,000 increments until the final hammer fell.

Co-owner Christine Cook, present at the Gold Coast sale complex, was emotional about the mare’s sale. “It’s the end of one era and the beginning of another,” Cook said. “She’s been incredible for us—I hope she produces stunning foals.”

Magnier also paid $2.1 million for Climbing Star, another Group 1-winning daughter of Zoustar. Meanwhile, fellow Waller-trained mare Atishu was sold for $2.7 million to Yulong and is expected to visit Alabama Express later this year.

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