Fireworks As ‘Damn Good’ Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale Concludes with a Trio of Seven Figure Mares

LEXINGTON, KY – The Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, which had never produced a seven-figure offering in its history, had three million-dollar mares go through the ring in an action-packed final hour of its two-day run in Lexington Tuesday. The final horse through the ring, Zetta Z (Bernardini), supplemented to the auction just Sunday, provided an exclamation point of the auction when selling for $2 million to Coolmore Stud. As expected, the dispersal of the bloodstock of the late Robert Lothenbach dominated the results sheet, accounting for the $1.3 million Bell's the One (Majesticperfection), who sold to the bid of bloodstock agent Catherine Hudson, and the $1.1 million She Can't Sing (Bernardini), who sold to Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.

Eleven of Tuesday's top 12 prices were from horses from the dispersal, including the auction's top-priced short yearling, a colt by Into Mischief purchased for $650,000 by North Ocean Equine. In all, 62 horses sold for the dispersal for a gross of $8,263,000. The dispersal average was $133,274 and the median was $42,500.

“It was unfortunate circumstances with Mr. Lothenbach passing, but we are very appreciative of the estate giving us the opportunity, between the digital sale and today and yesterday,” said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning. “But it is also a reflection of a man who had a program that raised and raced horses the right way. He gave horses time and he used trainers who took care of the horses. He had a long-term perspective and he was in it for all the right reasons. He loved racing. And that shared passion of racing is ultimately what fuels everything that we do in our industry.”

Bolstered by the dispersal, 372 horses grossed $21,687,000 for an average of $58,298 and a median of $17,000.

Outside of the dispersal, Browning said the auction's results proved demand for horses remained strong.

“It wasn't just on three horses,” Browning said. “Talking to the consignors across the board, the ones that sold horses for thousands of dollars or ten of thousands of dollars or hundreds of thousands of dollars, they felt like it was a very, very legitimate marketplace. Buyers, whether they had $5,000 to spend, $50,000 to spend or $500,000 to spend, found competition and found it not easy to buy horses. Which is where you want the marketplace to be. You want it to be competitive on both the buying and selling side of things. We saw that the last two days.”

Browning concluded, “All in all, it's been a fantastic two days. It wildly exceeded our expectations and we normally have high expectations for ourselves and for the quality of horses we are selling. It was damn good and it feels really good to say in February it was damn good. And it was.”

 

Coolmore Pays $2 Million for Dam of Nysos

Zetta Z (Bernardini) (hip 536), added to the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed catalogue just hours after her son Nysos (Nyquist)'s tour de force victory in the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. Saturday, ended the two-day auction with an exclamation point when selling for $2 million to Coolmore Stud.

“She is a beautiful mare and she completely stood out here,” said Coolmore's Adrian Wallace after signing the ticket on the mare in the back walking ring. “Obviously being the dam of such a talented young colt with his whole future ahead of him, she was a must-have. Mr. [John] Magnier and M V [Magnier] were very interested in her from the very beginning.”

The 14-year-old mare, consigned by Grovendale Sales, sold Tuesday in foal to Cyberknife and will likely have a date with Triple Crown winner Justify this year, according to Wallace.

“She's a wonderful mare and she is obviously in foal to a very exciting young sire,” Wallace said. “Hopefully, she will be a nice mare to add to Justify's book when the time comes.”

In addition to Nysos, Zetta Z is also the dam of a now-yearling colt by Yaupon who sold to Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo's AAA Thoroughbreds for $450,000 at last year's Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.

The mare is out of Seresa's Spirit (Rahy), an unraced daughter of GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Unbridled Elaine (Unbridled's Song).

Unraced herself, Zetta Z sold in foal to Street Sense for $35,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. Three Times a Charm was the name on the ticket that day, but according to Grovendale's Chance Timm, the mare had changed hands since that auction.

“She changed hands sometime last year,” Timm said, while declining to name the mare's owner.

Of the mare's presence in the sale, Timm said, “James [Keogh] had been in really close contact with the owner leading up to the race, so fair credit to him. I am grateful to be his partner and to be a part of it, but James did all the heavy lifting here and we are grateful to the owners for the opportunity.”

Timm added, “We were watching the Bob Lewis with a little bit different interest on Saturday, that's for sure. But it's great fun and we are privileged for the opportunity.”

Zetta Z became far-and-away the highest-priced horse to ever sell at the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed sale.

“I think it's hard to expect that kind of money at that sort of level for any kind of horse, but these are the types that can do that when it all lines up,” Timm said of the final price. “That's why we have horse sales, to have two people hook up and do what she did today. Any time they are at that level, it's hard to expect that. But she deserved to make that. That's the kind of mare she is.”

Wallace summed up, “She looks like…well, $2 million, instead of $1 million, but she's a lovely mare.”

 

Bell's The One Lights Up Fasig-Tipton

Bell's the One (Majesticperfection) (hip 476), the brightest star in Robert Lothenbach's decades in the sport, proved the most sought-after offering of the late owner's dispersal when selling for $1.3 million at Fasig-Tipton Tuesday. Bloodstock agent Catherine Hudson, bidding while on the phone from a seat in the pavilion, signed the ticket on the 8-year-old mare on behalf of an undisclosed client.

“We loved her,” Hudson said. “I bought her for a private client. He's an admirer of collector's items and we felt like she is one of them. She is a beautiful mare. We appreciate her and her racing and everything the Lothenbach family did for horse racing. We are sad the dispersal is happening, but we were very, very fortunate to be able to step up and buy her.”

The hard-knocking Bell's the One, purchased for $155,000 as a Fasig-Tipton July yearling in 2017, won 11 stakes races in the Lothenbach colors, including the 2020 GI Derby City Distaff S. and earned over $2 million during her racing career. She RNA'd for $2.6 million at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November sale and was put in foal to Flightline. The mare aborted that foal in September.

Of potential 2024 mating plans, Hudson said, “We have had a lot of reports, nicking, research and haven't decided yet. We are just working on it now. We think Justify's book got closed. We are hoping they might reopen, but we will talking to a couple of the farms about it.”

Hudson, who confirmed the mare would stay in the U.S., said the seven-figure price range was within expectations.

“I thought I would get outbid by maybe the Japanese,” she admitted. “I had $1.2 million to $1.3 million, but I didn't think my client would go any more than $1 million.”

Hudson had the client on the phone during the bidding and, asked to describe the conversation, she said, “I didn't want to know what he was going to do–I didn't want to know too much. I had a hopeful feeling he might keep going, but I didn't think he would go over $1.2 million, so I was very happy when he said go ahead with it. I think he appreciates collector's items.”

 

She Can't Sing to Hill 'n' Dale

Graded-stakes winning broodmare prospect She Can't Sing (Bernardini) (hip 485) will be joining the band at the Sikura family's Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa after selling for $1.1 million during the Lothenbach dispersal at Fasig-Tipton Tuesday. The 7-year-old mare, bred and campaigned by the late Robert Lothenbach, won four stakes during her racing career, including the 2022 GIII Chilukki S. She is out of Distorted Music (Distorted Humor) and from the family of multiple Grade I winner Music Note.

“She is beautiful and obviously a very talented racehorse,” said Jes Sikura. “We are collecting a broodmare band at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa to kind of improve on what we already have and create a new generation. [Hill 'n' Dale stallion] Curlin loves Bernardini. We thought this would be a great nick. Hopefully we will get a beautiful foal out of her.”

Of the seven-figure price tag, Sikura said, “We were willing to pay a high price for something with that quality. Bernardini/Distorted Humor mare, it doesn't get better than this. She was a great racehorse. And we really thought she would fit our program. She's exactly what we are looking for.”

While the 22-year-old Sikura signed the ticket on the mare, he admitted it was his father, John, who did the bidding in the back walking ring.

“I was told to step back,” Sikura said with a laugh. “I didn't want to make any mistakes.”

The younger Sikura signed for a Constitution short yearling at $300,000 on behalf of a pinhooking partnership during Monday's first session of the auction. He also signed for the broodmare Audrey's Time (Uncle Mo) (hip 474) at $525,000 in the name of Imaginary Partners earlier in Tuesday's session.

“I am probably UK's least favorite student right now–the least classes attended student right now,” he said. “I am working on bloodstock on the farm and trying to get my own little thing going and learn as much as I can about the business. I am getting involved, selling some seasons and shares, just working on our stallions and promoting the farm.”

Sikura admitted getting more involved in the racing industry became a more immediate concern once his hockey career had run its course.

“I always knew I wanted to be involved at some point,” he said. “I grew up as a hockey player–not a great one–that's why I came back to Kentucky at 19. And then once I realized I was not going to be a professional athlete by 17, I started to look a lot more into the horses and enjoying it more. And now I feel like I am starting to understand it a little bit and following in my dad's footsteps, as well as other great mentors that I've been lucky enough to be around.”

 

Logan Strikes for Into Mischief Colt

Darby Dan Sales Director Renee Logan, bidding on behalf of an undisclosed client, went to $650,000 to acquire a short yearling by Into Mischief (hip 494) Tuesday at Fasig-Tipton. From the Lothenbach dispersal and consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the bay colt is out of Distorted Music (Distorted Humor) and is a half-brother to graded winner She Can't Sing (Bernardini). He came into the ring some 10 hips after his half-sister sold for $1.1 million and some 25 hips after his dam sold for $375,000.

“It's for an undisclosed buyer,” Logan said. “He's a longtime farm client who loves racing and loves to sell as well. So he might race or sell. We'll just see how things go.”

Robert Lothenbach purchased Distorted Music for $190,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. She won three of eight starts in the late owner's colors and She Can't Sing was her first foal to the races.

“I like the fact that he was very well-balanced and he had a beautiful walk,” Logan said of the short yearling's appeal. “He's very correct. He's a half-brother to a great filly who just brought a million, which vindicated our decision. That's why we went the extra mile.”

Logan added there was extra appeal in purchasing the youngster from a breed-to-race operation.

“He wasn't overly prepped,” she said. “What you saw is what he actually is. So that was another thing that I liked about him.”

Of the colt's final price tag, Logan added, “If you want a nice horse, you're going to have to pay for it.”

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Vekoma Filly Tops KEENOV Book 4 Opener

A filly from the first crop of MGISW Vekoma (Candy Ride {Arg}) (Hip 2205) shot to the top of the class late in Saturday's opening session of Book 4 of the Keeneland November Sale, bringing $215,000 from Frankie's Stable.

Consigned by Grovendale Sales, she was bred by William Humphries and Altair Farms. The chestnut is out of Truckstop Diamond (Flat Out), a half-sister to SW & GISP Meadow Dance (Jimmy Creed).

“She is a superstar physical,” said Grovendale's Chance Timm. “Those kind bring a premium and breakout.”

This is the first crop for GI Carter H. and GI Met Mile winner Vekoma, who stands at Spendthrift Farm.

“It is surprising how much leg and scope they have,” Timm said of the Vekoma weanlings. “This filly has a lot of leg underneath her and great length. She has a beautiful profile, more so than you would think for the sire line.”

The day's top mare was the 3-year-old Street Slayer (Street Sense) (Hip 2166), purchased by JCB Stables for $170,000. Selling as a broodmare prospect, the bay is a half to GSW Biddy Duke (Bayern).

A total of 246 horses changed hands during the sixth session of Keeneland November for a gross of $9,596,900. During the equivalent session last year, 271 head brought $10,507,100. The average was up a tick from $38,772 in 2021 to $39,012 and the median increased from $26,000 to $30,000. The RNA rate was also up from 18.37% to 23.84%

Through the first six days of selling 1,287 horses have summoned $192,033,900, a large increase from last year when 1,391 head brought $176,713,100. Average increased from $127,040 in 2021 to $149,210 and the median was also up from $75,000 to $77,000. The RNA rate was 20.42% for 2021, but is up to 25.09% this year so far.

“It has definitely slowed down a bit here in Book 4 compared to earlier in the week,” Timm said. “It just doesn't have as much traffic as you'd like to see, but same story. When you lead ones up like that, you can't hide them. Everybody's there for them.”

The Keeneland November Sale continues through Wednesday with sessions starting at 10 a.m. It will be followed by a single-session Horses of Racing Age Sale Thursday.

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Session Toppers and 5 A.M. Errands: Chance Timm on First Keeneland Sale as Grovendale Partner

Making a 5 a.m. trip to Walgreens for Vicks VapoRub was probably not what Chance Timm envisioned as part of his job description when he partnered with James Keogh at Grovendale Sales earlier this year, but when your consignment needs its supplies replenished during the second half of the Keeneland September Sale, you do what you need to do.

Timm is more than happy to take on some of those less-than-glamorous duties. In fact, he enjoys them.

“I like being hands on,” Timm said Monday morning while showing Book 4 yearlings at Barn 43. “I like being involved in everything that happens. We run a pretty tight ship, but James and I will both wear whatever hat is needed so that whatever needs to be done gets done. We love being involved and understanding all the little intricacies about each horse so we're able to make those small changes throughout the process that may really help.”

Timm has been involved in the Thoroughbred business for over 15 years, including eight years serving as the Director of Stallions Seasons and Shares at Lane's End Farm. While he has spent his fair share of time combing through the barns at various sales over the years, this is his first experience as a consignor during the marathon that is the Keeneland September Sale.

“It's nuts,” he said with a laugh and a wipe of his brow. “I was lucky at Lane's End that I was involved in the sales process but– fortunately or otherwise–I never had to deal with the minutiae and all the intricate details that come with putting something like this on. But I am now and it's exciting. It's great to work for yourself and put that pressure on yourself to make it happen. James has given me an unbelievable opportunity to partner with him and take advantage of his name, reputation and what he has built here. Hopefully I can build on it too.”

Grovendale Sales sent a $575,000 Munnings filly through the ring during the sixth session of Keeneland September | Keeneland

During its first Keeneland September operating under the Keogh-Timm partnership banner, Grovendale is already in the midst of a successful auction. On Sunday, they sold the session-topping filly for $575,000 to West Bloodstock for Repole Stables. The daughter of Munnings out of the stakes-placed Unbridled's Song mare Oh Carole was bred by Chelsea Bloodstock, Galtee Bloodstock and Paget Bloodstock.

Timm noted that the headlining filly had all the top players looking at her over the weekend.

“That's why we have horse sales,” he said. “When buyers hook up, they can exceed your expectations. She was an impressive filly with a lot of class. She had a lot of leg and length to her and was very robust. I would think she's an exceptional model of her sire and the market agreed.”

As for the marketplace in its entirety, Timm explained that they have found it to be a continuation of the polarized market.

“It's exceptionally strong at the top,” he said. “For those that are deemed as desirable, it's crazy strong. The filly yesterday had an enormous amount of interest and it's crazy for those kinds of horses, but it's probably equally polarized on the other end. If they fall through the cracks or people don't like them, it kind of is what it is.”

With just under 30 yearlings on Grovendale's Keeneland September roster, Timm said that the group represents many of Keogh's longstanding clients as well as some he shares a connection with through the various positions he has held in the industry over the years.

“There are a lot of people that have come with me as I've joined the partnership,” he explained. “Fallbrook Farm, Gail Radke, Jackpot Farm and Summer Wind Farm are all organizations that I am lucky to have a close association with and they're willing to support Grovendale. WinStar Farm has had a long association with James. They raise a really nice horse and I think people are aware of that so we're grateful for their continued support.”

One of Grovendale's seven yearlings going through the ring on Tuesday during Book 4 was bred and raised at WinStar. The colt by Winstar's first-crop yearling sire Yoshida (Jpn) is from the family of GISW Corinthian (Pulpit) and sells as Hip 2543.

“He's a really strong physical,” Timm shared. “We purposefully placed him in Book 4. I thought he was good enough to be in Book 3 and Keeneland originally placed him there, but we felt like he would stand out in Book 4. I think he'll represent his sire and his farm well.”

Timm said that another promising youngster from their list of Book 4 offerings is Hip 2672, a filly by World of Trouble.

“I think she'll be represented well here in this spot too,” he noted. “She's by a first-crop sire and she has a wonderful profile. Herbener Farm raised her and we're honored to have the opportunity to represent the Herbener family.”

Other yearlings preparing to go through the ring for Grovendale in the coming sessions showcase sire power like Munnings, Uncle Mo and Justify, as well as additional first-crop yearling sires in Vino Rosso, Mitole and Coal Front.

Once the September Sale concludes, Timm and Keogh will be preparing for a busy Keeneland November. Last year Grovendale was a top 10 consignor there with gross sales of over $6.9 million.

Timm said that as Grovendale evolves, they hope to maintain the consignment's well-known presence at the breeding stock sales while also widening their reach on the yearling side of the business.

“I think for the most part, James' business in the past has been pointed toward the breeding stock sales and we have a really strong group of about 80 horses pointing towards this November Sale,” he explained. “I'd say the opportunity for us is within the yearling market. It's something I hope to contribute to over time, but we're never looking to be a large consignment. I think for both of us, our primary motivation is helping the people that we represent do well. We try to do whatever we can to be hands on and help people make the right decisions so they can maximize the value of their horses.”

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The TDN Writers’ Room On Site at Keeneland

In advance of the April Horses of Racing Age sale, the writers ventured to Keeneland this week for in-person chats with Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy and Grovendale Sales' Chance Timm. Trainer Michael Stidham was also featured on the TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland. The upcoming sale features a number of new concepts, including dropping a requirement that horses in the sale be present at Keeneland. The sale will also take place on a racing day, after the conclusion of the card on Friday, the last day of the meet.

“I started almost a year ago and the first thing we did was look at everything so far as how do we better service our clients?” said Lacy, who, along with Timm and Stidham were the Green Group Guests of the Week. “What is the best way to do things? So at Keeneland that embodies everything in the industry. It's a sales company, but it's also a world class racetrack. So we decided to combine the two activities on the one day. Logistically for our team, it's really challenging. But everybody knew it was very important that we could pull it off to get it done. The feedback has been really, really positive. I think the people really appreciate the fact that they can go racing, watch the Bewitch Stakes, and walk down the hill and an hour later we're able to sell horses.”

All the sales companies had to make adjustments due to the pandemic, and one was an increased emphasis on online bidding. Once again, in Friday's sale, prospective buyers can bid on their computers from the comforts of their homes.

“The pandemic has forced a lot of innovation that may have taken a lot longer to initiate otherwise,” Lacy said. “The horse industry is not something that really embraces change really quickly. So as we have learned from a lot of our customers, they have really appreciated the fact of being able to bid online. They also need to do their homework, so Information transparency is incredibly important. That's why we're trying to be flexible as much as possible and are trying to find ways to make it all convenient. A traditional auction is absolutely something that's not going to go away. But we've got to find a way of modernizing it and finding a way that better suits the modern way of doing business.”

Timm, who has had many roles in the industry, recently announced that he has joined forces with James Keogh at Grovendale, a Thoroughbred consignment based in Versailles, Kentucky. The April Horses of Racing Sale will mark the first time the newly formed team would be selling horses together.

Elsewhere on the show, which is also sponsored by Coolmore, XBTV, Lane's End Farm, West Point Thoroughbreds, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders and Legacy Bloodstock, writers Joe Bianca, Bill Finley and Jon Green discussed the win by Letruska (Super Saver) in the GI Apple Blossom H. and her prospects for another stellar campaign in 2022.

For the audio (only) version, click here.

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