Grade I winner Madcap Escapade, in foal to A.P. Indy, sold for $3.1 million Nov. 2 to kick off the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select mixed auction in Lexington. Cataloged as Hip No. 2, Madcap Escapade was the first horse in the sale ring because Hip No. 1, grade I winner Great Hunter, was scratched.
John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency was the consignor, and Sikura signed the sale ticket for Madcap Escapade. With the transaction, Sikura said he became the owner of a 50% interest in the 7-year-old daughter of Hennessy out of the stakes-winning Saratoga Six mare Sassy Pants. Bruce Lunsford, a candidate for a Kentucky seat the U.S. Senate, retained the other 50%, according to Sikura.
“We’re thrilled to keep her,” Sikura said. “She’s a mare that made a fortune at auction and has done nothing wrong. The most expensive weanling in North America (a Pulpitfilly that sold for $1.7 million at the 2007 Keeneland November breeding stock sale) was her first foal, and she’s back in foal to A.P. Indy. She’s carrying a filly, which is great.”
Before Madcap Escapade went through the sale ring, Sikura and Michael Moreno's Southern Equine Stables each owned 25% of the mare, so, in essence, Southern Equine’s interest was bought out. Lunsford had sold Madcap Escapade, when she was in foal to Pulpit, at the 2006 Keeneland November breeding stock sale to Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Bloodstock, agent, for $6 million. Soon afterward, Lunsford bought back a 50% interest in Madcap Escapade and the foal she was carrying. She was offered at Fasig-Tipton Nov. 2 because Sikura and Southern Equine are holding a dispersal of horses they own together.
Madcap Escapade is a half-sister to grade I winner Dubai Escapade (by Awesome Again) and added-money winner Real Estate (by High Yield).
Later in the sale, another Sikura/Southern Equine mare, Crystal Current, who is in foal to Distorted Humor, also sold for $3.1 million. The buyer was Southern Equine. A 5-year-old stakes-winning daughter of A.P. Indy, Crystal Current is a full sister to grade I winner Majestic Warrior.
Grade I winner Panty Raid, a 4-year-old daughter of Include who has earned more than $1 million, brought $2.5 million from Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock manager, John Ferguson. Four Star Sales, agent, was her consignor.