A colt produced from Horse of the Year Azeri failed to meet his reserve and was bought back for $7.7 million at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale during the opening session Sept. 8.
This marked the most expensive RNA in Keeneland sale history. The previous mark was set at the 1985 Keeneland July yearling sale when English champion sprinter Adjal (Northern Dancer-Native Partner) was bought back for $7.5 million. Bruce Hundley, agent for Ralph Wilson's Oxford Stable consigned the colt. Wilson had placed a $7.4 million reserve on the colt and his attorney bought him back at $7.5 million because his client said he wanted to race the Northern Dancer colt.
Named Vallenzeri, the striking chestnut son of A.P. Indywas consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent.
Azeri (Jade Hunter-Zodiac Miss, by Ahonoora) earned Horse of the Year honors in 2002 and was champion older mare in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Her biggest win came in the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (gr. I). She won the grade I Apple Blossom Handicap three consecutive times in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Azeri also scored in the 2004 Go For Wand Handicap and the Overbrook Spinster Stakes, both grade I.
Owner Michael Paulson said he bought back Azeri's first yearling in the hopes of retaining a portion of the colt to race.
Racing as homebred for the Allen Paulson Living Trust, Azeri earned $4,079,820 from a career record of 17-4-0 from 24 starts.
Azeri, who is boarded at Hill ‘n’ Dale, produced a Giant’s Causeway filly this year.
