Nyquist breeding right tops Keeneland’s Championship Sale at US$1.25 million

Cover image courtesy of Keeneland

Held for the first time in the Bluegrass State, the third instalment of Keeneland's Championship Sale held two days prior to this year's Breeders' Cup at Keeneland featured the sale of the historic property Castleton in addition to a collection of ready-to-run racehorses and several sire interests, who are also represented at the World Championships.

Stallion shares are popular

With Kentucky sire power leading the fray, one breeding right in Darley stallion Nyquist (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}) realized a sale-topping US$1.2 million (AU$1.77 million) from Don Alberto Corporation. Offered as Hip 14, the breeding right was consigned by Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services.

“Nyquist right now is the top stallion with Gun Runner, Into Mischief and Curlin,” said Fernando Diaz-Valdes of Don Alberto. “Nyquist is a hot commodity. Everybody wants to breed to him. We need to send our top mares to top stallions, and Carlos (Heller of Don Alberto) wants to have the top stallion. That is why we wanted this and I think it was the right price.”

One hip earlier, a lifetime breeding right in WinStar stallion Life Is Good (USA)(Into Mischief {USA}) realized US$775,000 (AU$1.1 million) from Fergus Galvin, acting as agent. Offered as Hip 13, the breeding right was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.

Also drawing plenty of attention at Wednesday's sale, a 2.5% fractional interest (breeding rights only) in Englishman (USA) (Maxfield {USA}) (Hip 9) drew a US$650,000 (AU$922,000) final bid from Bourbon Meadows Farm. The likely favourite in this weekend's GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint, the interest was consigned by Lane's End, where the dual Grade I winner will stand upon retirement.

Rounding out the stallion prospects, a 2.5% interest in Airdrie Stud sire Upstart (USA) (Flatter {USA}) (Hip 12) brought US$325,000 (AU$461,000) from AGT Bloodstock. The share was consigned by Claiborne Farm.

Race fillies and other stock

Six of the fourteen equine lots were passed in, including the 25% share in European Group winning filly Primetime Emmy (Extreme Choice) who is entered for Friday’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. She reached US$425,000 (AU$602,000) but that wasn’t enough to seal the deal.

After heading into yesterday's sale with plenty of buzz, Group 1-scoring Miss Yechance (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) failed to reach her reserve price of US$3.075 million (AU$4.36 million) through the ring.

“This sale was held at Del Mar the past two years, so bringing it to the Bluegrass for the first time gave us an opportunity to showcase the event in the heart of horse country, and I think that elevated it to a whole new level,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said.

“It was an incredible evening that showcased the best of the Thoroughbred world and served as the perfect addition to Breeders' Cup Week. With the September Yearling Sale, Fall Meet and now this event leading into the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland truly is the centre of the Thoroughbred world. We're thrilled to have welcomed this sale to Kentucky and look forward to building on this experience in the years ahead.”

Representing the racing stock on offer, a 100% ownership interest in Group 3 winner Ballinea Star (Ire) (Space Blues {Ire}) (Hip 7) entered in Friday's GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf sold for US$650,000 (AU$922,000) to David Fennelly-Mountmellick Farm. The consignor was St George Sales, agent for Aguiar Racing.

A 25% fractional interest in the 4-time winning 3-year-old colt Liam Smith (USA) (Midshipman {USA}) entered in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Sprint sold for US$250,000 (AU$355,000) to Madaket Stables. The consignor was Altamira Racing Stable.

A 25% fractional interest in the 4-year-old graded winning gelding Iron Man Cal (USA) (Collected {USA}) entered in Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile sold for US$200,000 (AU$284,000) to Meah/Lloyd Bloodstock, agent for Mike Iavarone's TCC Stables. The consignor was Little Red Feather Racing and Madaket Stables.

“I like Billy Koch (of Red Feather Racing),” Iavarone said. “We hadn't had a horse together in quite a while, so it was it was an opportunity really to partner up with him. I like the horse [Iron Man Cal]. The horse is nice. I think the horse got a tough assignment this weekend, but we're going to have a really good time on Saturday together.”

Iavarone, who also purchased a 25% interest in Breeders' Cup Sprint entrant Little Thunder (USA) (Noble Bird {USA}) in a post-sale transaction, acquired a 25% interest in Bentornato (USA) (Valiant Minister {USA}) at last year's Championship Sale. Three days later, Bentornato won the Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Castleton Farm fails to sell

Castleton Farm was the final offering of the Championship Sale in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Keeneland and Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty. While bidding did not meet the property's reserve, Castleton will remain on the market with Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty.

“We wanted the world to know about Castleton, and we believe this extraordinary collaboration accomplished exactly that,” said Ken Donworth, Listing Broker with Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty. “Shane Ryan and his family were willing to think outside the box, and the resulting collaboration and marketing campaign were unlike anything I've experienced.”

Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin added, “We are grateful to Shane Ryan and his family for welcoming us to Castleton as the setting for the Championship Sale, and to Sotheby's for their collaboration on this truly unique offering. Castleton provided a spectacular backdrop for an evening that celebrated Thoroughbred ownership and showcased Keeneland and Central Kentucky to a global audience.”