Cormac Breathnach | Horse Racing Free Tips

Keeneland to Offer HRA Session During November Sale

Keeneland will offer a horses-of-racing-age section at its 2021 November Breeding Stock Sale by creating a separate, single-day session to be held on the final day of the auction. A selection of breeding stock will be offered early in this final session, followed by the full group of racehorses cataloged to the sale.

“We are excited about this refreshed take on the racehorse segment, and we feel this change will provide a nice bookend to what we anticipate to be a lively market for the November Sale,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy.

The deadline to enter the horses-of-racing-age session is extended to Oct. 1. For the horses-of-racing-age section as well as Book 1 of the November Sale, Keeneland will continue to accept supplemental entries until the sale. This year, the online catalog for this session will denote the current location of each racehorse, giving sellers the opportunity to view the horses prior to their arrival on the sales grounds.

The horses-of-racing-age sale format will be similar to Keeneland's 2021 April Sale, with live auctioneers at Keeneland and with horses presented for sale both physically both in Lexington and off-site locations. Internet and telephone bidding options will be available for buyers who want to participate remotely.

“The timing of the sale–after the fall racing season and before horses ship to major winter destinations–is ideal for the trade of horses of racing age,” Keeneland Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach said. “The later entry deadline and ability to supplement entries gives sellers more flexibility in identifying those horses they want to sell, thereby creating a vibrant catalog and marketplace.”

Among notable race horse graduates from the November sale, 2020 GI Kentucky Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil, a supplement in 2019, who sold for $280,000. She also won this season's GI La Troienne S. and Del Mar's GI Clement L. Hirsch S.

The post Keeneland to Offer HRA Session During November Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Keeneland Catalogs 4,034 Horses To September Yearling Sale

Keeneland announced today that 4,034 yearlings have been cataloged for the 78th annual Keeneland September Yearling Sale to be held over 11 sessions from Sept. 13-24.

Recognized globally as the Thoroughbred industry's most important sale, the auction will feature a new format that during Week 1 will present 1,099 yearlings to Keeneland's deep buying bench; debut an RNA Reoffer at the conclusion of Book 1 as an exciting opportunity for buyers and sellers and elevate enhancements to the overall sales experience.

“This is an exciting time at Keeneland as we welcome Tony Lacy as our new Vice President of Sales and Cormac Breathnach as our new Director of Sales Operations, while longtime Director of Sales Operations Geoffrey Russell remains on the team in a consulting role,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have initiated a number of new features to further enhance the September Sale and facilitate the process for buyers and sellers with the goal of creating a consistent sale format each year and further ensuring a stable marketplace.”

Sellers and buyers will be pleased with the atmosphere, excitement and global participation Keeneland expects from start to finish of the September Sale.

“For those passionate about Thoroughbred racing,” Lacy said, “Central Kentucky and Keeneland are destination experiences. We intend to provide those attending the September Sale a memorable stay to enjoy the best of what the Bluegrass has to offer.”

See theworldsyearlingsale.com for features about the importance of the September Sale and the success of sales graduates along with a Lexington destination guide presented by Keeneland and VisitLex with information about where to stay and eat while in town.

2021 September Sale schedule

For the 2021 September Sale, Keeneland has adjusted both the Week 1 and Week 2 formats to better accommodate buyers and sellers.

In an effort to position the largest number of horses possible before a deep audience of domestic and international buyers, Week 1 will take place Monday through Thursday, Sept. 13-16 with Books 1 and 2 before the “dark day” on Friday, Sept. 17 when no sale will be held.

“Keeneland remains customer-focused in our mission to provide the absolute best marketplace this September,” Lacy said. “We adjusted the sale format after many meaningful conversations with our customers, who expressed their strong desire to see a significant number of yearlings before a break.”

Additionally, Keeneland is combining the final two sessions (those horses cataloged to Sessions 11 and 12) into a single session on Friday, Sept. 24 to conclude the sale during a three-day Book 5.

“This change will allow buyers to have a full day of yearlings to consider rather than two shorter sessions at the end of the sale and will generate a more vibrant market for all involved on Friday,” Lacy said.

The September Sale will present the following schedule:

Week 1

Book 1 – Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 13-14. Sessions begin at 1 p.m. ET. A total of 401 yearlings, including two supplements, are cataloged over the two days. The RNA Reoffer will begin immediately following the final hip of the Sept. 14 session.

Book 2 – Wednesday-Thursday, Sept. 15-16. Sessions begin at 11 a.m. A total of 698 yearlings are cataloged over the two days.

Friday, Sept. 17 – A “dark day” when no sale will be conducted.

Week 2

Book 3 – Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 18-19. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. A total of 827 yearlings are cataloged over the two days.

Book 4 – Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 20-21. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. A total of 829 yearlings are cataloged over the two days.

Book 5 – Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 22-24. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. A total of 1,279 yearlings are cataloged over the three days.

Keeneland will livestream the entire September Sale at Keeneland.com.

Print catalogs for the auction should arrive around Aug. 23.

New RNA Reoffer program follows Session 2

As a safeguard for sellers of yearlings on opening day who feel disadvantaged by early placement, Keeneland will present a new RNA Reoffer program. This option will give sellers of yearlings that do not meet their reserves during the first session the ability to resell them immediately after the final cataloged hip of Session 2.

Click here for information about the RNA Reoffer program, including parameters for yearlings that are eligible to participate.

“As we strive to create a stable and consistent format for the September Sale, we are aware of the fear that some consignors have about offering horses early in the catalog,” Breathnach said. “We are committed to addressing this concern and have created a safeguard to protect the best interests of the sellers.”

Online, phone bidding available

Online bidding and phone bidding, two expanded bidding opportunities introduced at the 2020 September Sale, will continue this year for buyers. Both options integrate directly with the live auction experience in real time, just as if a buyer is standing in the Sales Pavilion. To participate, a buyer should register for an account and establish credit within the Keeneland Sales Portal. Keeneland recommends doing so two weeks before the sale.

Click here for more information and to view Keeneland's Remote Bidding Guide.

The Keeneland Sales team is available to answer any questions about expanded bidding options and this year's September Sale. For additional information about online and phone bidding, please contact Director of Sales Accounting Brent Hacker at 859 288-4231 or bhacker@keeneland.com.

Leading sires represented

A total of 2,132 colts and 1,902 fillies have been cataloged to the 2021 September Sale. The yearlings represent 204 of the world's leading sires, including American Pharoah, Australia (GB), Bernardini, Candy Ride (ARG), Churchill (IRE), Constitution, Curlin, Distorted Humor, Empire Maker, Fastnet Rock (AUS), Flatter, Galileo (IRE), Ghostzapper, Highland Reel (IRE), Into Mischief, Kingman (GB), Kitten's Joy, Le Havre (IRE), Lope de Vega (IRE), Malibu Moon, Mastercraftsman (IRE), Medaglia d'Oro, More Than Ready, Munnings, No Nay Never, Not This Time, Nyquist, Pioneerof the Nile, Quality Road, Saxon Warrior (JPN), Speightstown, Tapit, Tiznow, Twirling Candy, Uncle Mo, Union Rags, War Front, Wootton Bassett (GB) and Zoffany (IRE).

Among the notable stallions with their first crop of yearlings in the September Sale is undefeated 2018 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year Justify, who has 89 horses in the catalog. Other exciting young stallions represented by their first yearlings in the sale include champion Accelerate, 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming, Bolt d'Oro, City of Light, 2017 Preakness (G1) winner Cloud Computing, Collected, champion Good Magic, Good Samaritan, Mendelssohn, Mo Town, Mor Spirit, Oscar Performance, Tapwrit and champion West Coast.

Additional stallions with yearlings in the catalog are represented by their initial crop of runners in 2021. They include American Freedom, champion Arrogate, Astern (AUS), Caravaggio, Connect, champion Classic Empire, Cupid, Gormley, Horse of the Year Gun Runner, Keen Ice, Klimt, Lord Nelson, Mastery, Midnight Storm, Mohaymen, Practical Joke, Unified and Union Jackson.

The health and safety of Keeneland's customers, employees and sales participants remains our first priority. As this time, September Sale operations will be conducted under normal conditions similar to 2019. Keeneland continues to monitor developments with the COVID-19 virus and follow guidance from health and government officials.

Bidding at the back Show Ring, which was in place for recent auctions while Keeneland instituted protocols related to COVID-19, will not be offered at the 2021 September Sale.

The post Keeneland Catalogs 4,034 Horses To September Yearling Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Cormac Breathnach Named Keeneland’s Director of Sales Operations

Keeneland has named bloodstock consultant Cormac Breathnach, Ph.D., associated for many years with first Adena Springs and then Airdrie stallions, as its new Director of Sales Operations. Breathnach succeeds Geoffrey Russell, who retired in April after 25 years with Keeneland. Russell will remain in a consulting role with Keeneland through the rest of 2021.

“We are excited to have Cormac join the Keeneland sales team as the Director of Sales Operations,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “I have long admired his professionalism, knowledge, and integrity, which is second to none, and have had the pleasure of watching him develop in the industry and gain the respect of a broad range of professionals. His skill set, personality, and strong work ethic will help evolve Keeneland sales for the future. In addition, his background in research and animal welfare is a valuable asset as we continue to strive to set higher standards for the industry.”

“Geoffrey very generously has been helping us through the transition process to make it as seamless as possible,” Lacy said. “I can never thank him enough for his commitment to Keeneland even in his first stages of retirement. I know Cormac will integrate into this role smoothly with Geoffrey's guidance.”

Breathnach, a native of Ireland, is well known throughout the Thoroughbred racing and breeding sectors. During his more than two decades in the horse industry, he received a doctorate in veterinary science from the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky and spent nearly eight years as the Stallion Seasons and Matings Consultant at Adena Springs before being named the Director of Stallion Nominations at Airdrie Stud in 2017. In addition, he also founded Galway Bloodstock, a consultancy that provides auction representation, racehorse management, and matings analysis.

Breathnach studied biotechnology at National University of Ireland, Galway, then pursued his Ph.D. from the Gluck Center. He completed two post-doctoral studies, first at the veterinary school of the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2001-2003 before returning to the Gluck Center from 2004-2007. He was the inaugural recipient of the Paul Mellon Postdoctoral Scholarship. He is currently on the board of both the Gluck Foundation, where he is the first graduate of the Gluck Equine Research Center to serve in that capacity, and the Secretariat Center.

“I have spent the last 12 years working with breeders, consignors and buyers on behalf of two of the preeminent stud farms in the Bluegrass, and I am excited to carry those relationships through to this new role with Keeneland,” Breathnach said. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given along the way, particularly to Bret Jones and his family for four successful years at Airdrie Stud.”

“Cormac has been such a tremendous contributor to Airdrie Stud, and I know I speak for our entire team when I say how much we will miss him,” Airdrie Stud Vice President Bret Jones said. “Keeneland and our breeding and racing community at large are gaining an advocate of the absolute highest ability and character. He is one of the truly wonderful people in our industry. I am very happy for Cormac to ascend to this important position and will always be grateful for the great friendship we've developed these last four years.”

Keeneland's new Director of Sales Operations lives in Lexington with his wife, Catherine, and their daughter, Anna.

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Keeneland Names Cormac Breathnach As Director Of Sales Operations

Keeneland today named prominent bloodstock consultant Cormac Breathnach, Ph.D., as its new Director of Sales Operations.

Breathnach brings a distinctive set of skills and more than 20 years of horse industry experience to Keeneland, combining bloodstock and pedigree knowledge, practical sales expertise and a doctorate in veterinary science from the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky.

“We are excited to have Cormac join the Keeneland sales team as the Director of Sales Operations,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “I have long admired his professionalism, knowledge and integrity, which is second to none, and have had the pleasure of watching him develop in the industry and gain the respect of a broad range of professionals. His skill set, personality and strong work ethic will help evolve Keeneland sales for the future. In addition, his background in research and animal welfare is a valuable asset as we continue to strive to set higher standards for the industry.”

Breathnach succeeds Geoffrey Russell, who announced his retirement in April following 25 years with Keeneland. Russell will remain in a consulting role with Keeneland through 2021.

Since 2017, Breathnach has served as Director of Stallion Nominations at Airdrie Stud, which stands such exciting young stallions as Cairo Prince, Collected and Complexity. For nearly eight years prior to his position at Airdrie, he was Stallion Seasons and Matings Consultant at Adena Springs, where he represented Breeders' Cup Classic winners and leading sires Ghostzapper and Awesome Again. Breathnach also founded Galway Bloodstock, a consultancy that has provided a range of services including auction representation, racehorse management and matings analysis.

A native of Galway, Ireland, Breathnach studied biotechnology at National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). Following a summer research internship at Alltech in Lexington, he returned to Central Kentucky to earn a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science from the Gluck Equine Research Center in 2001. He completed two post-doctoral studies, first at the veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2001-2003 before returning to the Gluck Center from 2004-2007. There he was the inaugural recipient of the Paul Mellon Postdoctoral Scholarship.

“It is a great honor to be named Director of Sales Operations at Keeneland,” Breathnach said. “Keeneland is a world-renowned cornerstone of the Thoroughbred industry, and to participate in its progressive mission under (Keeneland President and CEO) Shannon Arvin, Tony Lacy and the talented team already in place is a privilege.

Breathnach is on the board of both the Gluck Foundation, where he is the first graduate of the Gluck Equine Research Center to serve in that capacity, and the Secretariat Center. He is a past board member of the Iroquois Hunt Club.

Breathnach and his wife, Catherine, along with their daughter, Anna (9), reside in Lexington.

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