A bay colt by Mineshaft , consigned by Betz Thoroughbreds, brought a winning bid of $485,000 from Kempton Bloodstock's Steve Castagnola, agent for the Iowa-based Albaugh Family Stable. That amount represented the top price paid up to that point at the fifth session of the Keeneland September yearling sale Sept. 19.
The Minieshaft colt is out of the Menifee mare Letgomyecho, winner of the gr. II Stonerside Forward Gal Stakes, and is from the family of stakes winners Soundwave and Western Smoke. Second dam Echo Echo Echo, by Eastern Echo, was stakes-placed.
Like his sire, A.P. Indy, Mineshaft was a Horse of the Year.
Dennis Albaugh is a successful agricultural products magnate who has been increasing his Thoroughbred holdings in recent years.
"That was a little more than we had hoped to spend," said Castagnola. "We own his half brother Unbridled Outlaw (a 2-year-old by Unbridled's Song) and we think the world of him. He was unlucky (when third) in the Iroquois Stakes (gr. III) and we're hoping to run here in the Breeders' Cup if he gets in. He's very special. This horse reminded us of his a brother: a tremendous walk, huge shoulder, great balance, and terrific mind."
