Unbridled's Song Filly Brings $1 Million

An Unbridled's Song filly consigned by Stone Farm, agent, became the first seven-figure offering of the Keeneland September yearling sale when she was purchased by agent John Ferguson for $1 million during the early portion of the Sept. 15 second session.

Produced from the grade III-winning Strawberry Road mare Strawberry Reason, the filly is a half-sister to champion Vindication and to grade III winner Scipion. The filly was bred in Kentucky by Payson Stud. Ferguson, who has quickly emerged as the leading buyer at the Keeneland sale as he was during the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale, buys for the Dubai-based operation of Sheikh Mohammed.

"She’s a beautiful filly; an outstanding individual," said Ferguson, noting that he and other members of Sheikh Mohammed’s team had seen the filly multiple times since early this year. "She’s a filly who consistently throughout the year been exceptional.

"(She’s) a real athlete, a real straightforward athlete," Ferguson continued.

Ferguson said the lower prices being brought by the yearlings going through the ring are advantageous to buyers such as himself.

"It’s not our fault," he said, somewhat lightheartedly. "There has been a major readjustment. This is a business that other economic factors play a huge part in. Yes, it is tough for a lot of people. Obviously this is tough. The great thing is the stallion operations reduced their stud fees last year. There is pain here, but hopefully going forward there will be readjustments across the board. That’s how the game has to work."