A War Front colt that last year set the record of $190,000 for a West Virginia-bred weanling purchased at auction set another standard Aug. 7 when he was sold again for $675,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale.
The colt, out of the Old Trieste mare Dancing Trieste, was bred by longtime owner/breeder Buck Woodson, who is well known in Virginia and West Virginia. The colt was purchased by Kingsbury Stables from the Millennium Farms consignment to the 2011 Keeneland November sale .
This year, the colt consigned by Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency, agent, was purchased by Demi O'Byrne, who buys for Coolmore. The price of $675,000 is a record for a West Virginia-bred yearling.
Woodson told officials at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, where he has raced many horses over the years, he has no regrets selling the colt last year. He said when West Virginia-breds bring such prices at auction, it helps the breeding program.
"When I sell them, I sell them to get my money and don't think about it afterwards," Woodson said. "Something could just as easily go wrong with the horse."
Woodson still owns 9-year-old Dancing Trieste, who is in foal to Colonel John.
"It would obviously boost the value of the mare if he were to go on and do something like win a graded stakes," Woodson said. "I'll be rooting for that for sure."