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BloodHorse.com Articles by Deirdre B. Biles

Market Views: Discussing Keeneland's 1st Week

Market Views: Discussing Keeneland's 1st Week

The market for quality stock was pretty solid, according to buyers and consignors participating in the first week of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. 4 days ago
Gross Rises on Keeneland Sale's Third Day

Gross Rises on Keeneland Sale's Third Day

The numbers weren't dramatically different from a year ago during the third session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale, and that was good news for the Central Kentucky auction, which had experienced major declines in 2008 during a global financial crisis. Thursday, November 12, 2009
Overbrook Stock Boosts Keeneland's 2nd Day

Overbrook Stock Boosts Keeneland's 2nd Day

High quality stock from the Overbrook Farm dispersal and stronger participation by American buyers at the top of the market boosted the results for the second session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale in Lexington Nov. 11. Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Cotton Blossom Sells for $2.3 Million

Cotton Blossom Sells for $2.3 Million

Cotton Blossom, winner of the 2007 Acorn Stakes (gr. I), became the most expensive horse sold so far at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale when she brought $2.3 million during the auction's second session Nov. 11 in Lexington. Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Summer Raven Soars to $1.7 Million

Summer Raven Soars to $1.7 Million

Summer Raven, winner of the 2004 Tempted Stakes (gr. III) and in foal to Unbridled's Song, became the first horse to bring seven figures Nov. 11 during the second session of the Keeneland November breeding stock auction in Lexington. Offered around noon (EST), she sold for $1.7 million to Kentucky bloodstock agent Reynolds Bell. Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Mary Delaney Kicks Off Overbrook Dispersal

Mary Delaney Kicks Off Overbrook Dispersal

Mary Delaney, winner of the 2007 Vinery Madison Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland, kicked off the Overbrook Farm dispersal at the Keeneland November breeding stock auction in Lexington by selling for $850,000. She was the second horse in the sale ring during the auction's second session Nov. 11. Kentucky bloodstock agent Reynolds Bell purchased her from Eaton Sales' consignment. Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Fasig-Tipton Sale Suffers Sharp Declines

Fasig-Tipton Sale Suffers Sharp Declines

This year, without as much star power, the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select mixed sale suffered sharp downturns of 59.4% in gross revenue, 52.7% in average price, and 32% in median price Nov. 10 in Lexington even though seven horses sold for amounts of $1 million or more apiece. Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Gross Plunges 45.2% at Keeneland Nov. Opener

Gross Plunges 45.2% at Keeneland Nov. Opener

The struggling Thoroughbred marketplace stumbled badly yet again as the Keeneland November breeding stock auction opened its 13-day run in Lexington Nov. 10. Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Azeri Sells for $2.25 Million at Keeneland

Azeri Sells for $2.25 Million at Keeneland

Azeri, the 2002 Horse of the Year, brought $2,250,000 early in the afternoon of Nov. 10 during the opening session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale in Lexington. The price was the highest so far during the auction. Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Swift Temper Bought Back for $2,050,000

Swift Temper Bought Back for $2,050,000

The final bid on Swift Temper was $2,050,000, but it came from her owner, Mark Stanley, so she didn't find a new home Nov. 10 during the opening session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale in Lexington. Taylor Made Sales Agency consigned the 5-year-old daughter of Giant's Causeway to the auction for Stanley as a racing or broodmare prospect. Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Rebound Unlikely During Keeneland Auction

Rebound Unlikely During Keeneland Auction

The Keeneland November breeding stock sale was hammered last year by the global financial crisis, suffering alarming downturns of 45.5% in gross, 39% in average price, and 42.9% in median price after a record-setting run in 2007. This year, consignors and sale company officials are hoping that, at the very least, the declines will slow down, but the odds are against a rebound during the auction's 13-day run, Nov. 10-22, in Lexington. Monday, November 09, 2009
BC-Connected Horses Set to Sell

BC-Connected Horses Set to Sell

Three participants in this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships â€" Diamondrella, Lethal Heat, and Magical Fantasy -- were scheduled to be offered at the Nov. 10 Fasig-Tipton November select mixed sale in Lexington as of Nov. 9. Grade I winner Diamondrella finished 11th in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint; grade II winner Lethal Heat was seventh in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I); and grade I winner Magical Fantasy finished fifth in the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT). Monday, November 09, 2009
Bar Set High at Fasig-Tipton November Sale

Bar Set High at Fasig-Tipton November Sale

While the plunging economy was pounding other mixed sales late in 2008, the Fasig-Tipton November select auction generated spectacular results. The gross revenue rose 35.1% from the previous year while the average price and median prices increased 58.8% and 38.9%, respectively. Monday, November 09, 2009
Gayego Will Be in His Niche in the BC Sprint

Gayego Will Be in His Niche in the BC Sprint

Gayego competed in two legs of the 2008 Triple Crown and captured the Arkansas Derby (gr. II) at 1 1/8 miles, but "we think we've found a niche for him in sprint races being a closing sprinter," said Rick Mettee, a key assistant to Godolphin Racing trainer Saeed bin Suroor. Thursday, November 05, 2009
Fatal Bullet Gunning for Sprint Win

Fatal Bullet Gunning for Sprint Win

Reade Baker, the trainer of Fatal Bullet, has a message for Zensational, the 7-5 morning line favorite in the $2-million Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I), and the rest of the field: We're ready, and we're going to run hard. Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Informed Decision Ready for F&M Sprint

Informed Decision Ready for F&M Sprint

Augustin Stable's Informed Decision faces a much-anticipated rematch with Ventura Nov. 6 in the $1-million Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Santa Anita Park. When the two tangled back in April on Keeneland's Polytrack, Informed Decision defeated Ventura by a head in the Vinery Madison Stakes (gr. I). Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Favored Zensational Has No. 1 Post in Sprint

Favored Zensational Has No. 1 Post in Sprint

There were audible gasps of dismay when Zayat Stables' Zensational drew the No. 1 post position for the $2-million Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I). The dominating, front-running, 7-5 morning favorite will have no room for error early in the six-furlong race Nov. 7 over Santa Anita Park's Pro-Ride surface. Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Ventura on Far Outside in F&M Sprint

Ventura on Far Outside in F&M Sprint

Ventura, who will be trying to win the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint for the second consecutive year Nov. 6, was made the 8-5 morning line favorite in the Nov. 3 post position draw for the World Championships at Santa Anita Park. The Juddmonte Farms homebred, which likes to come from behind, is on the far outside in the field of nine and will be ridden by Garrett Gomez. Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Ventura Back for More in Filly & Mare Sprint

Ventura Back for More in Filly & Mare Sprint

Juddmonte Farms homebred Ventura will be defending her title in the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Nov. 6 at Santa Anita, and she's ready to roll, according Garrette O'Rourke, who manages Juddmonte's nursery near Lexington. Monday, November 02, 2009
F-T Ky. Fall Yearling Sale Rebounds

F-T Ky. Fall Yearling Sale Rebounds

The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling sale bucked the prevailing negative trends in the Thoroughbred marketplace to post increases of 9.1% in median price and 5.7% in gross revenue during its three-day run that ended Oct. 28 in Lexington. Thursday, October 29, 2009

Fasig-Tipton Makes Stem Cell Announcements

People listening closely to the announcements from the auction stand during the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling sale heard something new during the auction's three-day run (Oct. 26-28) in Lexington. For the first time, Fasig-Tipton told prospective buyers when a horse's stem cells had been collected and stored. Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Bel Esprit Colt Tops Magic Millions Opener

The average price rose 65.2% from 2008 during the opening session of the Magic Millions national horses in training sale Oct. 28 in Australia. The gross revenue also grew, increasing 12.7%. Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Median Continues to Rise at F-T Ky. Sale

Median Continues to Rise at F-T Ky. Sale

Leonard Lavin's Florida-based Glen Hill Farm was a powerful buying force during the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling sale's second session, which generated a median price that was up 25% from a year ago. The average price fell 4.4% while the gross revenue declined 12.3% Oct. 27 in Lexington. Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Median Up 20% at F-T Ky. Fall Yearling Sale

Median Up 20% at F-T Ky. Fall Yearling Sale

The news wasn't all bad during the opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling sale Oct. 26 in Lexington. The median price increased 20% from 2008 while the buy-back rate was down significantly. The results also included downturns of 11% in gross revenue and 6.4% in average price, but they weren't nearly as severe as those suffered by many other yearling auctions earlier in 2009. Monday, October 26, 2009
F-T Ky. Fall Yearling Sale Has Sire Power

F-T Ky. Fall Yearling Sale Has Sire Power

Fasig-Tipton's Kentucky fall yearling sale isn't as fancy as the company's Saratoga and Kentucky July select auctions, but as a producer of Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brand (gr. I) winners, it stands out. Big Brown, who captured the Run for the Roses in 2008, and Mine That Bird, who scored in the first leg of the Triple Crown this year, both are graduates of the October sale. Friday, October 23, 2009

Collins: Why European Sales Are Stronger

Nearly every domestic yearling sale in 2009 has suffered sharp declines, but in England, Ireland, and France, auctions of young horses generally have turned in stronger performances. Friday, October 23, 2009
Change of Plans: Kodiak Kowboy to BC Sprint

Change of Plans: Kodiak Kowboy to BC Sprint

Canadian champion and two-time grade I winner Kodiak Kowboy will be entered in the Nov. 7 Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park even though his experience on synthetic tracks is limited and he has enjoyed his greatest success on dirt. Friday, October 23, 2009

Is Rising Dow a Good Omen for Horse Sales?

The Dow Jones industrial average closed at 10,015.86 Oct. 14, marking the first time the figure had touched 10,000 since October of last year, when the stock market was on its way down. The statistic has enjoyed an amazing rebound of 53% since March when it dropped to its lowest point in more than a decade. Wednesday, October 14, 2009
F-T November Sale Has 153 Horses

F-T November Sale Has 153 Horses

Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 153 horses for its November select mixed sale, which will be held in Lexington Nov. 10, beginning at 5 p.m. The number is down 18.6% from last year's total of 188. Friday, October 09, 2009
Median  Plunges 38.9% at F-T Midlantic Sale

Median Plunges 38.9% at F-T Midlantic Sale

The market was livelier during the second and final session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling sale Oct. 6 in Maryland. Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Harlan's Holiday Colt Sells for $300,000

Harlan's Holiday Colt Sells for $300,000

A Harlan's Holiday colt became the top-priced horse sold at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling sale so far when he commanded $300,000 during the auction's second session Oct. 6 in Maryland. Francis Vanlangendonck of the Summerfield sales agency signed the sale ticket on behalf of Florida pinhooker Nick de Meric. Samantha Siegel of Jay Em Ess Stable and Alan Quartucci of North Shore Bloodstock also were in the hunt for the striking bay yearling, which went through the sale ring early in the afternoon. Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Malibu Moon Colt Brings $120,000 at F-T Sale

The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling auction got a new top price just before 1 p.m. (EDT) Oct. 6 when a Not For Love colt sold for $120,000 to Samantha Siegel of Jay Em Ess Stable during the sale's second session in Maryland. The previous high -- $117,000 for a Malibu Moon -- Two Chimneys colt -- came during the opening session Oct. 5. Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Buy-Back Rate Down at FT Midlantic Sale

Buy-Back Rate Down at FT Midlantic Sale

The Thoroughbred market's dismal downward trend this year continued during the opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling sale Oct. 5 in Maryland. The gross revenue suffered a moderate 9.5% loss from 2008, but the median price plummeted 35% while the average price fell 19.4%. Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Reviews Positive for Sale Pavilion Upgrades

Reviews Positive for Sale Pavilion Upgrades

Prices dropped during the opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling sale Oct. 5 in Maryland, following a trend that has been seen at nearly every Thoroughbred auction this year. But there were still a lot of smiling faces as buyers and consignors praised the newly renovated sale pavilion at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Monday, October 05, 2009
F-T Kentucky Fall  Sale Has  972 Yearlings

F-T Kentucky Fall Sale Has 972 Yearlings

Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 972 horses for its Kentucky fall yearling sale, which will be held Oct. 26-28 in Lexington. The total is down 10.8% from last year's total of 1,090. Monday, October 05, 2009

Saratoga Sale Topper Wins in Debut in Ireland

Fighting Brave, who brought the sale-topping price of $2 million at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling auction, made his career debut a winning one at Dundalk in Ireland Oct. 4. Sunday, October 04, 2009
F-T Midlantic Sale Will Enjoy Upgrades

F-T Midlantic Sale Will Enjoy Upgrades

The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling might struggle like nearly every other Thoroughbred auction this year, but at least the buyers and consignors will have a newly renovated sale pavilion to enjoy Oct. 5 and 6 in Timonium, Md. According to Fasig-Tipton officials, there will be dramatic changes in the appearance of the once drab facility. Friday, October 02, 2009

Chace, Finley Buying at Goffs Orby Sale

New Jersey bloodstock agent Buzz Chace was a new buyer at the Goffs Orby yearling sale in Ireland on the opening day of the auction Sept. 29. Acting on behalf of longtime client West Point Thoroughbreds, he purchased a Holy Roman Emperor colt for 140,000 euros ($204,879 in U.S. funds)from Camas Park Stud and an Ad Valorem colt for 50,000 euros ($73,171)from Ashtown House Stud. Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Chris Young: Contemplating Overbrook's Future

Chris Young: Contemplating Overbrook's Future

The Overbrook Farm dispersal, which began at the Keeneland September yearling sale, will not mark the end of the Young family's involvement in the Thoroughbred business. Chris Young, the 34-year-old grandson of Overbrook founder W.T. Young, is making plans for his own venture that probably will emphasize racing. Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Hayden to Commercial Breeders: Change or Die

Hayden to Commercial Breeders: Change or Die

David Hayden has a message for his fellow commercial breeders: "Change or die." The ability to be flexible during hard times, he said last week at the Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington, is the key to survival. And Hayden, who plans to keep raising horses for many years to come, has looked at everything from production costs to where he will market his yearlings in an effort to remain profitable and avoid drowning in a sea of red ink. Wednesday, September 23, 2009
September Talk: Reviewing Sale's First Week

September Talk: Reviewing Sale's First Week

From the very beginning of the Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington, it was apparent that there would be a major correction in the market for young horses as key business figures suffered significant setbacks. Here are comments from auction participants during the first week of the sale. Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Depressed Keeneland Yearling Market Continues

Depressed Keeneland Yearling Market Continues

During the fourth session of the Keeneland September yearling sale Sept. 17, very little changed from the results seen during the first three days of the marathon sale. Thursday, September 17, 2009

Goulash Doing Better in Laminitis Battle

When Goulash's Unbridled's Song colt brought $925,000 to top the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling auction Sept. 14, the prognosis for the Mari's Book mare looked grim. She is battling laminitis, and there were concerns that she would need to be euthanized just days after her son had been sold. Thursday, September 17, 2009
Keeneland Sept. Sale Market Still Merciless

Keeneland Sept. Sale Market Still Merciless

The Keeneland September yearling auction continued its merciless battering of commercial breeders and consigners, posting results that fell far short of last year's figures for the third consecutive day even though a filly by the hot sire Medaglia d'Oro brought $1.3 million. Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Breeders Say Stud Fees Need to Be Cut More

Stallion managers slashed stud fees last year after this country's recession deteriorated into a financial crisis and spread around the world. With prices for Thoroughbreds continuing to decline after falling significantly in 2008, commercial breeders are calling for even more stud fee reductions for 2010. Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Keeneland Sale Continues Downward Spiral

Keeneland Sale Continues Downward Spiral

Three seven-figure horses pumped up the excitement on the second day of the Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington, but they didn't provide a big enough financial boost to end the discouraging slump in the auction's key business figures. Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Keeneland Numbers Plummet in First Session

Keeneland Numbers Plummet in First Session

The first session of Keeneland's marathon September yearling sale concluded Sept. 14 with major declines in gross, average, and median prices. Monday, September 14, 2009
Koch to Retire as Claiborne's Farm Manager

Koch to Retire as Claiborne's Farm Manager

Gus Koch, the manager of the Hancock family's historic Claiborne Farm near Paris, Ky., will retire at the end of the Keeneland September yearling sale. He was named the Farm Manager of the Year by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club in 2004, and he is a past president of the organization. Monday, September 14, 2009
Burning Keeneland Questions and Some Answers

Burning Keeneland Questions and Some Answers

One day prior to the Sept. 14 start of the Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington, there was a lot of uncertainty about how the market would perform at a time when the economy was continuing to struggle. There also were some questions about what was going on around the sale grounds. Here they are, and here are their answers. Monday, September 14, 2009
Session 1: September Sale's Prospective Stars

Session 1: September Sale's Prospective Stars

Here is a list of horses that consignors and buyers think could be standouts Sept. 14 during the first session of the Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington. Sunday, September 13, 2009
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