Widden Purchase G1 Winner Startantes for $1.15 Million

The Robert Heathcote stable have had a lot of success with the progeny of top producer Funtantes and the best of her four winners is Group I Tatts Tiara winner Startantes, who was snapped up by Widden Stud for $1.15million at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale on Thursday.

Consigned on behalf of Robert Heathcote by Newgate, Startantes is the best performer to date for her sire Star Turn and won six races with nearly $1million in prizemoney with two Group I placings to go with her Tiara victory.

She was bred and raced by Heathcote and his family, who were thrilled with the result.

“She’s gone to a great home and will get every opportunity at Widden,” said Heathcote.

“I’ve still got so much of this family at home. I got pictures today from the breaker at Washpool Lodge as her yearling brother is getting broken in right now.”

Startantes appeals as a perfect partner for Widden Stud’s champion sire Zoustar.

“She was a gun two year-old that stepped it up again at three and nearly won two Group I’s,” said Antony Thompson.

“We though she was ideal for Zoustar. She comes from a family that Robert Heathcote has developed and it’s a very fast running family where they all win multiple races.

“She’s by Star Turn, who we bred and sold by our sire Star Witness, so we know that side of the family well and we think she’s a perfect fit for us.”