A 2.5% fractional interest in 'TDN Rising Star' and likely GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic favorite Flightline (Tapit) will be auctioned off at the start of the 2022 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in Lexington, the auction house and Lane's End have announced. Flightline will enter stud as the property of a syndicate at Lane's End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, upon the conclusion of his racing career.
The auction will be conducted with a first-of-its-kind Metaverse experience which intends to replicate the excitement of the November Sale. This user-friendly virtual experience is hosted on Spatial and accessible via Oculus headset, desktop computer, or mobile phone. Participants will have a front-row seat in a virtual sales ring modeled after Keeneland's and will also have the opportunity to learn about Lane's End, Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry through a series of pre-event activations.
The fractional interest is subject to Keeneland's Conditions of Sale. Interested bidders must register in advance, have established credit with Keeneland Sales, and meet such additional requirements as Keeneland or Lane's End may request. Qualified bidders may bid on the fractional interest in-person at Keeneland, via Keeneland's online auction platform, or by phone. The fractional interest is being offered by West Point Thoroughbreds, one of five ownership groups in Flightline, who races the world's top-rated racehorse in partnership with Hronis Racing LLC, Siena Farm LLC, Summer Wind Equine LLC and Woodford Racing LLC.
“Bill Farish and Keeneland have been talking about trying to stay ahead of the curve from a technology standpoint and increasing outside participation and interest in the industry,” said West Point's Terry Finley. “We are just really happy we are in a position to participate. We are excited about it. The attention has been incredible over the last couple of hours. It is very unique way for someone to have an opportunity of a lifetime. We don't know what to expect, but it could be very good for the partners.”
It is expected to be the only opportunity to buy into Flightline before he retires to stud. Should Flightline continue to race beyond the Breeders' Cup, the purchaser of the fractional interest will also be a part of his racing ownership. At the conclusion of the auction, the winning bidder will own 2.5% of Flightline and have all rights, benefits, and obligations of a co-owner of the horse pursuant to the Syndicate Agreement. All racing and breeding decisions will be made as provided in the Syndicate Agreement available for inspection by qualified bidders.
A decision on Flightline's future will be made following the Breeders' Cup.
“Flightline's stud fee has yet to be determined,” said Bill Farish of Lane's End, “but he will surely retire as one of the most valuable Thoroughbred stallion prospects in recent memory. He'll be an historic addition to the Lane's End roster and the syndicate model is an exciting way for more people to participate in a sport that otherwise has a high barrier to entry.”
Shannon Arvin, President & CEO of Keeneland, said, “With these trailblazing firsts–a chance to own a portion of the world's best racehorse and the opportunity to experience the world's leading Thoroughbred auction house in the Metaverse–Lane's End and Keeneland are once again proving their commitment to evolving the horse racing industry and welcoming a new generation of fans to its timeless traditions.”
For additional information or to pre-register to bid, visit www.keeneland.com/flightline or contact Bill Farish at Lane's End at (859) 873-7300 or Keeneland's Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach at (859) 254-3412.
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