Thoroughbred writer Pete Denk shares his experience covering North American Thoroughbred auctions and racing.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Sheikh Mohammed strikes for $700,000 Speightstown colt

by Jeff Lowe

A $700,000 Speightstown colt was one of two horses snatched up by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum within about ten minutes on Monday morning in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.

Bloodstock agent John Ferguson bid alongside his client, Sheikh Mohammed, in their customary spot behind the sales ring.

The Speightstown colt was the top price through the first 50 hips. Consigned by Dromoland Farm, agent, the colt is a half brother to Grade 3 winner Elusive Diva, by Darley sire Elusive Quality.

After waiting for a few minutes while Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 and BBA Ireland signed for a Bernardini half brother to leading freshman sire Tapit, Ferguson jumped back in with the purchase of a Medaglia d’Oro half sister to Grade 1 winner Taste of Paradise for $300,000.

Darley bought a majority interest in Medaglia d’Oro this spring.

Ferguson , who declined an interview request when Sheikh Mohammed and his entourage left their bidding position, also bought a Storm Cat colt for $300,000 earlier in the morning.

Sheikh Mohammed’s trio boosted mixed results over the first two hours of the sale, which included fifteen horses from the first 41 horses in the catalog who were listed as reserve not attained.

Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer

Storm Cat colts among early leaders

by Jeff Lowe

Colts from the second to last crop of Storm Cat were among the most expensive purchases in the early stages Monday in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.

Jack Sims bought a full brother to Group 1 winner Sophisticat and Grade 2 winner and Central Kentucky sire Grand Reward for $450,000.

Consigned by Denali Stud, agent for the Robert and Beverly Lewis Trust, the colt is out of champion Serena’s Song, by Rahy, who also has produced Grade 2 winner Harlington, by Unbridled, and stakes winner Serena’s Tune, by Mr. Prospector.

Sophisticat sold for $3.4-million in the 2000 Keeneland July yearling sale, and Harlington was a $2.8-million purchase in the 2003 Keeneland September sale.

Sims said the Storm Cat colt was the most expensive horse he has purchased.

“I think it was a real bargain,” said Sims, who is from Evanston , Wyoming and involved in the construction business. “I figured he would have brought $1.5-million. I think now is the best time in my lifetime in the horse industry to buy horses. “

Sims said he has about 15 horses in training throughout the country and around nine broodmares.

“I hope he isn’t the most expensive horse I own; I’ve got one selling tomorrow that I hope bring more,” Sims said, referring to a Bernardini colt who is hip 410 in Tuesday’s second session.

A Storm Cat colt from Overbrook Farm’s dispersal sold for $325,000 to John Ferguson, chief bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum

The colt is out the Unbridled mare Referendum, a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Jersey Girl.

A bit later in the morning, Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent.

Just after noon, Rick Porter went to $475,000 for a Storm Cat filly out of champion Wandesta (GB), by Nashwan.

Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer