US$2.2m Gun Runner colt leads million-dollar bonanza at Keeneland September opener

Cover image courtesy of Keeneland

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale saw its first seven-figure transaction just an hour into its opening session on Monday.

By the end of a frenetic day of bidding, 14 yearlings had sold for US$1 million (AU$1.5 million) or more. Leading the group was a US$2.2 million (AU$3.45 million) son of Gun Runner (USA), purchased by Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm from the Four Star Sales consignment. The colt was one of five by the Three Chimneys stallion to sell for seven figures during the session.

“That was a fun day,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales, Tony Lacy. “We thought it was going to be energetic and a good, solid, healthy market, and we are very pleased with the way it came out.”

During the boutique Book 1 opener, 98 yearlings grossed US$54,795,000 (AU$86,000,700), for an average of US$559,133 (AU$877,800), and the median was US$450,000 (AU$706,800). Both figures showed double-digit increases over the opening session of the 2023 September Sale, when 110 horses sold for US$55,330,000 (AU$86,800,500), with an average of US$503,000 (AU$789,100) and a median of US$400,000 (AU$627,400).

“Looking at the figures at the end of the day, they were incredibly healthy,” Lacy said. “The average was US$560,000 (AU$879,300), which is up about 11 per cent over last year. We refer to the median quite a bit, and last year it was US$400,000 (AU$627,400). This year, it was US$450,000 (AU$706,800), so that is up 12 per cent. The gross was pretty much on par with last year, with a few fewer horses.”

Monday’s first session of the September Sale attracted a deep bench of buyers, with the top 21 highest-priced horses purchased by 20 unique buyers.

“There was huge diversity in the buying bench, both domestically and internationally,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. “There was a lot of Japanese participation, participation from the Middle East, and then, of course, our domestic buyers were very active also.”

The opening session’s 14 million-dollar yearlings compare to eight during the first session last year. The entire 2023 Book 1 section featured 23 million-dollar yearlings.

The Keeneland September Sale is opening with a two-session Book 1 section for the fourth year in a row, and Monday’s session, which began with a bluegrass band and passed cocktails, proved the format has become popular with both buyers and sellers, according to Lacy.

“We really appreciate the consignors and breeders who supported us,” Lacy said. “This is something we put a lot of effort into, pushing Book 1 as a dominant marketplace. We want to make sure that the buyers are here, and the horses are here for the buyers. The buyers put aside a lot of time to be here with us, and we want to make them feel comfortable. So, everything here is here for the benefit of the buyers and the customers, and it creates the right environment. There was a crowd in here the entire afternoon and that never relented.”

Book 1 concludes with a session Tuesday, . Book 2 sections Wednesday and Thursday. Following a dark day Friday, the auction continues through to September 21.

“This was just the beginning,” said Arvin. “I think we all have a lot of confidence in the marketplace. A lot of principals are here. The breeders have obviously worked very hard, and we appreciate them selling their stock with us. They’ve brought the very best to market. So, it’s going to be fun to watch.”

All hail Gun Runner

Mandy Pope of Whisper Hill Farm, active both buying and selling at Keeneland's opening session, secured the highest bid of the day, spending US$2.2 million (AU$3,450,100) for a colt by Gun Runner (Hip 169).

The yearling, bred by Three Chimneys Farm and consigned by Four Star Sales, is out of stakes winner and Graded-placed Princesa Carolina (USA) (Tapit {USA}), a daughter of multiple Grade 1 winner Pure Clan (USA) (Pure Prize {USA}). Pope had already invested in this family, purchasing a Gun Runner filly out of Pure Clan for US$1.5 million (AU$2,300,200) at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale in August.

“He is an amazing horse,” said Pope's advisor Todd Quast. “He's got everything: looks, shoulder, hip, and movement. We know where he was raised and we do a lot with Three Chimneys, so we know he was raised right. We’re super happy to have him.”

Whisper Hill Farm also bought a filly by Into Mischief (USA) (Hip 55) for US$700,000 (AU$1,100,600) from the Eaton Sales consignment.

“We've sold a few and bought a few,” Quast added. “I think it's a strong market. If you have the right horse, you get rewarded, and if not, you go home without it. But it's very healthy right now.”

Whisper Hill made a major impact in 2023, selling five seven-figure yearlings during Book 1. On Monday, results were more modest, with a Tapit (USA) full sister to Charge It (USA) RNA'ing at US$1.45 million (AU$2,300,700). However, the farm still had big names coming up in Tuesday’s session, including a Songbird (USA) (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) filly (Hip 225) and a Tap Gun (USA) (Tapit {USA}) (Hip 255).

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

The US$2.2 million (AU$3,450,100) session-topping bid highlighted an impressive day for Gun Runner, who had five seven-figure yearlings pass through the ring.

“He’s never disappointed at any point,” said Three Chimneys' Chris Baker. “This crop is off his US$125,000 (AU$196,000) stud fee, and he's continuing to get it done even with the US$50,000 (AU$78,500) crops. Demand is high, and the individuals justify the price.”

Baker added that the US$2.2 million price-tag was not a surprise. “It wasn’t shocking. We knew he had the potential to break out, and that’s what he did.”

The first yearling to exceed the seven-figure mark during Keeneland's opening session was also by Gun Runner, a chestnut filly out of Dream Dancing (USA) (Tapit {USA}) (Hip 24). This filly was secured by Douglas Scharbauer for $1.5 million (AU$2.4 million). Scharbauer, who hails from Midland, Texas, is known for campaigning 1988 Horse of the Year and 1987 G1 Kentucky Derby winner Alysheba (USA).

Ken Carson, longtime advisor to the Scharbauer family, described the filly as “one of the prettiest around” and noted that the Asmussen team will handle her training. Carson reminisced about past purchases with the Scharbauer family, highlighting their connection to Alysheba and Valor Farm, founded by Scharbauer's late father, Clarence.

Scharbauer expressed his satisfaction with the purchase, saying, “I am very impressed with this filly. Her breeding and overall quality are exceptional, and I’m excited about her potential.” He joked about keeping her in Kentucky rather than bringing her to Texas.

Bred by John Oxley in Kentucky, the filly's great-granddam is the Champion Beautiful Pleasure (USA) (Maudlin {USA}), a six-time Grade 1 winner. Her 2-year-old half-sister, Dreamaway (USA) (Flameaway {USA}), has won both her starts, including the Colleen S. at Monmouth Park in July.

Brian Graves of Gainesway, who consigned the filly on behalf of Oxley, expressed pleasure at the final price, stating, “We always believed she was top calibre. It’s gratifying to see the market recognise her quality."

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

Charlatan proves a hit

Midway through Keeneland’s opening session, a colt by first-season sire Charlatan (USA) fetched $1.4 million (AU$2.2 million). The colt, a son of 'TDN Rising Star' and Group 1 winner Guarana (USA) (Ghostzapper {USA}), was acquired by Coolmore partners and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm. MV Magnier signed the ticket for the colt, who was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa and co-bred with Matt Dorman.

Magnier praised the colt, noting, “His mother was a very nice race filly and Charlatan was a very good racehorse himself. John Sikura and the team at Hill 'n' Dale have an excellent breeding record.” Guarana, trained by Chad Brown, earned over US$1 million on the track, including wins in the G1 Acorn S. and G1 Madison S. She is a granddaughter of G1 Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Pleasant Home (USA) (Seeking Gold {USA}).

Magnier added, “Let’s hope he's as good as his mother. Chad liked him, and everyone did. We’ll bring him back to Ashford and plan from there.”

Guarana’s family has a strong sales history, starting with her dam, Magical World (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}), who sold for US$5.2 million (AU$7.8 million) in foal to Into Mischief in 2021. Her half-brother brought US$1.1 million (AU1.65 million) at Keeneland in 2023. Guarana, who was carrying an Into Mischief foal, sold for US$4.4 million (AU$6.6 million) in 2021.

John Sikura of Hill 'n' Dale described Hip 70 as “a magnificent horse, powerful, well-balanced, and a great mover.” The colt was the third-highest priced of the session.

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

Coolmore and White Birch also purchased two additional yearlings: Hip 74, a Gun Runner half-brother to Collected (USA) for $700,000 (AU$1.1 million), and Hip 86, another Gun Runner colt out of In The Moonlight (USA) (Tapit {USA}) for $800,000 (AU$1.3 million). The total expenditure for Day 1 reached US$2.9 million (AU$4.6 million), with an average of $966,667 (AU$1.5 million).

Magnier commented on the Gun Runner purchases, “Gun Runner is absolutely flying at the moment. We're looking for top-quality racehorses.” He also noted, “The market is competitive for top-quality stock, and there are plenty of nice horses available.”

Brother to Champion Rachel attracts the cash

On Monday’s opening session at Keeneland, Hip 112, a colt by Medaglia D’Oro (USA), attracted significant attention. Out of Lotta Kim (USA) (Roar {USA}), the February 23 foal, a full brother to Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (USA), was purchased for US$1.35 million (AU$2.1 million) by Epic Horses LLC. John Sikura of Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, who consigned the colt on behalf of breeder Dede McGehee, expressed satisfaction with the result.

McGehee, who acquired Lotta Kim privately from Rachel Alexandra's original breeder, Dolphus Morrison, noted the colt’s significance, “It’s extra special because Lotta Kim was owned by my favourite client of all time.” Rachel Alexandra earned US$3.5 million (AU$5.5 million) on the track and was a major success under Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick.

The colt's half-sister, Rachel's Valentina (USA) (Bernardini {USA}), is a Grade 1 winner, and a Quality Road (USA) filly out of Rachel's Valentina was sold to Japan for US$1.05 million (AU$1.6 million) on Monday.

McGehee’s previous seven-figure yearling, a colt by Bolt D’Oro (USA), fetched US$1.4 million (AU$2.2 million) at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. She expressed surprise at the high price for the colt, given Lotta Kim’s age, and noted, “This is a big deal!”

Heaven Trees Farm, McGehee’s operation, has around 20 broodmares and 15 yearlings. They will also have a yearling by Army Mule (USA) in Keeneland’s Book 4, which McGehee believes may be the last foal out of Lotta Kim.

Epic Horses LLC, led by advisor Shannon Potter, made its debut purchase at Keeneland with Hip 112. Potter highlighted the colt’s resemblance to Rachel Alexandra and his impressive physical attributes. “He has a very good temperament, and we loved his movement and conformation,” said Potter.

The colt will be trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and will first reside at Town & Country Farms. Potter noted that Epic Racing, the new venture behind the purchase, is backed by a couple from Las Vegas, marking their initial auction entry.

AMO Racing USA strikes for Pharoah full sister to Forbidden Kingdom

On Monday, an American Pharoah (USA) filly out of Grade 2 winner Just Louise (USA) (Five Star Day {USA}) (Hip 97) sold for US$1.35 million (AU$2.1 million) to AMO Racing USA LLC. Consigned by Paramount Sales, the February 25 foal is a full sister to Grade 1 winner Forbidden Kingdom (USA).

AMO Racing's Kia Joorabchian expressed enthusiasm, “She’ll take a break now, and then we’ll decide on an American trainer for her.”

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

The filly's dam, Just Louise, is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Sara Louise (USA) (Malibu Moon {USA}), the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' Nash (USA) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}). Springhouse Farm’s Gabriel “Spider” Duignan bred the filly, purchasing her dam for US$150,000 (AU$234,000) at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.

Duignan expressed satisfaction, “I’m delighted with the price and where she’s going. She’s been very popular and is a very nice filly from a fantastic family.”

Paramount Sales' Pat Costello was also pleased with the result, “She’s well-bred, a full sister to a top racehorse, and had a lot of action. We’re happy with the outcome and the filly’s great mind.”

Broman looking for a Derby horse

Chester Broman, a veteran New York owner and breeder, secured a colt by Gun Runner for US$1.15 million (AU$1.8 million) from the Brookdale consignment on Monday. The colt, consigned as Hip 73, is out of Grade 1 winner Harmonize (USA) (Scat Daddy {USA}) and a half-brother to multiple Graded stakes winner and Grade 1-placed Integration (USA) (Quality Road {USA}). Broman made the purchase with advisor Becky Thomas.

Thomas noted, “He was a big, beautiful colt with a great walk and a strong family. Mr Broman wants a Derby horse, and this colt looked like the type.”

Broman, who did not set a budget for the purchase, was keen on the colt’s potential. Thomas remarked, “I wasn’t surprised by the final price, but I usually don’t bid that high. Mr. Broman decided the budget.”

The colt was bred by Larkin Armstrong, who bought Harmonize for US$80,000 (AU$123,000) at the 2014 Keeneland September Sale. Harmonize won the 2016 G1 Del Mar Oaks and her first foal, Integration, sold for US$700,000 (AU$1.1 million) at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Integration has since won the G3 Virginia Derby and G2 Hill Prince S. and was a runner-up in last month's G1 Arlington Million.

Nyquist colt brings US$1.15m on Keeneland's Day 1

Agent Donato Lanni secured a Nyquist (USA) colt (Hip 82) for US$1.15 million (AU$1.8 million) on Day 1 of Keeneland's sale. Consigned by Candy Meadows Sales, the February 10 colt was purchased on behalf of SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing and Madaket.

“He was beautiful from day one and never had a bad day,” said Matt Lyons of Candy Meadows. Lyons noted that the colt's dam, Impasse (USA) (Quality Road {USA}), was bought for $385,000 (AU$595,000) at Keeneland November 2019. The resulting Into Mischief filly sold for $300,000 (AU$463,000) in 2021, and an Uncle Mo (USA) filly fetched $450,000 (AU$695,000) the following year.

Gallery: Images courtesy of Keeneland

Tom Ryan of SF Racing commented, “This colt had strong support from many good judges. It’s the same group of buyers, Stonestreet, Starlight, Madaket and SF Racing. We felt confident in him.”

The colt will be trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert in California. Ryan praised Nyquist as a top-flight stallion, adding, “He’s an athlete with pedigree and we believe he’ll excel over a mile and potentially further.”

Repole and Spendthrift partner on Gun Runner colt for US$1.1 million

Repole Stable and Spendthrift Farm teamed up to acquire a Gun Runner colt (Hip 121) for US$1.1 million (AU$1.7 million) on Day 1 of Keeneland's sale. The February 3 foal was consigned by Bridie Harrison, agent for Peter Blum Thoroughbreds.

“Gun Runner’s reputation is well-established, and this colt was highly regarded from the start,” said Jacob West, agent for Repole Stables. “It was a collaborative effort between Repole and Spendthrift. We anticipated it would be expensive, but Mike Repole and Eric and Tammy Gustavson set a realistic budget that we successfully met.”

Bred by Peter Blum, the colt is out of Graded stakes winner Magical Feeling (USA) (Empire Maker {USA}), who has already produced four black-type winners, including Graded stakes winner and Grade 1 stakes-placed Imagination (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}) and Graded stakes winner Occult (USA) (Into Mischief {USA}). Imagination was sold for US$1.05 million (AU$1.6 million) in 2022, and Occult brought US$625,000 (AU$950,000) in 2021.

Josh Blum, representing his father, said, “He’s been a standout since birth. We were pleased with the final price and are glad he sold well.”

Blum added with a smile, “Congratulations to my dad, it’s his operation.”

Snyders celebrate first million-dollar sale

Richard and Connie Snyder celebrated their first million-dollar sale when Resolute Bloodstock, on behalf of John Stewart, acquired a filly (Hip 53) by Maxfield (USA) for US$1 million (AU$1.5 million) on Day 1 of Keeneland’s September Sale.

“It’s exciting, nervous, and stressful, but it was fun,” said Richard Snyder. “We knew she’d sell well; she’s a standout.”

The filly is a half-sister to the Snyders' first Grade 1 winner, Randomized (USA) (Nyquist {USA}), who won the G1 Alabama S. and G1 Ogden Phipps S. The yearling’s dam, French Passport (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}), was purchased for $200,000 (AU$295,000) in foal to American Pharoah (USA) at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale. French Passport was tragically lost in a paddock accident, making this Maxfield (USA) filly her last foal.

Snyder’s current broodmare band numbers 17. This yearling was their only entry in Book 1; they have additional yearlings in Books 2 through 6.

The sale of Hip 53 marked the first seven-figure result for Maxfield, whose yearlings have been performing well. His 16 first-crop weanlings averaged $148,312 (AU$219,800) last year, with a top price of $500,000 (AU$735,000). This year, 10 of his yearlings averaged $209,750 (AU$308,500), led by a $450,000 (AU$661,000) filly at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga.

Kerry Cauthen of Four Star Sales, who consigned the filly, praised Maxfield’s offspring, noting, “They have great minds, and I expect good things from him.”

Resolute Bloodstock also purchased a Tapit (USA) half-sister to G1 Toyota Blue Grass S. winner Zandon (USA) for US$900,000 (AU$1.3 million) on the same day.

“We like Maxfield, think he's coming on well,” Stewart said. “We actually bred him to some of our maiden mares this year. He nicks really good in our system. We think he's going to be a good stallion. This filly is just a beautiful filly, as you can see commanding that kind of price. When we rank it in our pedigree system and looking at the horse overall, she's an A+ and was on the top of our list.”

US$1 million Constitution colt to Juddmonte

Juddmonte Farms secured a colt by Constitution (USA) for US$1 million (AU$1.5 million) from the Airdrie Stud consignment. Juddmonte's Garrett O'Rourke acknowledged, “We were on fumes at the end. The market is very strong; it’s more than I wanted to pay, but you have to go with it or go home empty handed.”

The colt’s dam, Indian Pride (USA) (Proud Citizen {USA), won three of four starts, including an 8l debut victory at Saratoga in 2019 and the Shine Again S. in 2020. The late Brereton Jones, who bred her, had a high opinion of her.

O'Rourke noted, “I was impressed with her from the start and followed her career closely. We hope this colt grows into something as fast as his mother.”

Juddmonte, known for its successful purchases, previously acquired Arrogate (USA) for US$560,000 (AU$822,000) in 2014 and Elite Power (USA) for US$900,000 (AU$1.3 million) in 2019.

O'Rourke added, “We’re looking for classic horses. We’ve been fortunate with past purchases here. We’ll keep shopping until we find another one.”

The colt’s family has been cultivated by Brereton Jones. His son Bret expressed, “A million dollars doesn’t happen often. We’re ecstatic and grateful.”

Indian Pride (USA) is a daughter of Ms. Cornstalk (USA) (Indian Charlie {USA}), who produced Canadian champions Biofuel (USA) (Stormin Fever {USA}) and Tu Endie Wei (USA) (Johar {USA}), as well as Indian Pride. Jones added, “Indian Pride might end up being one of the greatest mares my dad ever had.”

Indian Pride has a 2-year-old by American Pharoah, sold for US$600,000 (AU$882,000) at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, and a filly by Into Mischief this year. She was bred back to Gun Runner.