Dual grade I winner Harmonious got the Keeneland November breeding stock sale off to a good start when she brought $2.8 million early in the auction's first session Nov. 6.
Acquired by Nicolas de Watrigant's France-based Mandore International Agency, the daughter of Dynaformer was consigned as Hip No. 24 by Lane's End, agent for Pam and Martin Wygod and Emily Wygod, who raced the mare throughout her career.
"She's a beautiful mare with size and scope," said Benoit Jeffroy of Mandore, which purchased Harmonious as a broodmare prospect on behalf of an undisclosed client. "She's by a top stallion, out of a Storm Cat mare, and is a grade I winner."
Jeffroy added the price was around in line with what Mandore was expecting to pay. "It's pretty expensive...you can see from last night that the trade is really good," he said.
Jeffroy was referring to the Nov. 5 Fasig-Tipton November sale, when Mandore paid $1.525 million for grade I winner Eden's Moon (by Malibu Moon ) and $2.5 million for this year's Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) winner Zagora (by Green Tune).
Harmonious, trained by John Shirreffs, scored her major victories in the 2010 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and American Oaks (both gr. IT). The 5-year-old mare, who was bred in Kentucky by Pam and Martin Wygod, holds a career record of 4-3-2 from 13 starts, for earnings of $625,420.
Harmonious is out of the Storm Cat mare Jade Tree, who is a daughter of grade II winner Jade Flush (by Jade Hunter). Jade Tree, who is also from the family of champion 2-year-old filly Landaluce, has produced seven foals, the youngest of which is a Tiznow colt, born March 22.
Jeffroy said he wasn't sure if Harmonious would stay in the United States or be shipped to Europe. "We will talk with the new owner and then see what happens—whether she will stay here or go back (to Europe)," he said.
Later in the sale, Mandore also bought Hip No. 76, Canadian champion Negligee, for $1.250 million. Consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent, the 5-year-old daughter of Northern Afleet is in foal to Distorted Humor .
"She's a champion...she's in foal to a very good sire," said Jeffroy of the mare, which was also bought for an undisclosed client. "Physically, she's also a very good mare."
Out of the stakes-winning Relaunch mare Naughty Notions, Negligee won or placed in nine of her career starts, including a victory in the 2009 Darley Alcibiades (gr. I). Trained by John Terranova for Sovereign Stable, she retired from racing with earnings of $381,379.
Bred in Kentucky by Twin Creeks Farm, Negligee is also from the family of English champion Zilzal.
"It's a strong market...it's really hard to buy good, quality mares," said Jeffroy.