THE promising three-year-old colt Zia Zabel has been sold out of Natalia Lupini’s yard and will join Emmet Mullins. A close second to Causeway in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes last month, Zia Zabel (by Ghaiyyath) was bought privately by owner Paul Byrne and, while no purchase price has been confirmed, The Irish Field understands the deal was worth over €1 million.

Zia Zabel, bought as a foal for €200,000, but only made 100,000gns as a yearling when purchased by owner Peter Trainor. The colt showed promise on both his starts at two for the Lupini yard, before winning a median auction race at Cork in April prior to his Gallinule performance.

Byrne told Thoroughbred Daily News that options for Zia Zabel included the Irish Derby and, in the longer term, races like the Melbourne Cup and possibly a career as a National Hunt stallion.

Another very promising three-year-old to change hands recently is the Jim Bolger-trained filly Sparan Nua. By Dawn Approach from the family of Saoirse Abu, Sparan Nua carried the colours of Jackie Bolger when winning her first two starts at Naas and Gowran Park, both in May. This week the Irish Racing Calendar reported her new owner is Maurice Regan’s Newtown Anner Stud.

NEWMARKET trainer James Ferguson has announced his intention to leave the profession next month to take a role in the bloodstock insurance sector. Since taking out a licence in 2019, Ferguson has trained over 150 winners including El Bodegon, winner of the Group 1 Grand Criterium de Saint Cloud in 2021.

FRANCES Nolan, author of The History of National Hunt and Point-to-Point Racing in Ireland, will give a public lecture at Punchestown Racecourse at 7pm next Thursday, June 11th. Admission is €5 and copies of Nolan’s book will be available for purchase on the night at a special price.