Multiple grade I winner Fleet Indian was sold privately to Frank and Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Farm after the mare failed to meet her reserve during the opening session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale Nov. 5.
Bidding stopped on Fleet Indian (Indian Charlie- Hustleeta, by Afleet) at $3.9 million. Taylor Made Sales Agency consigned the mare in foal to Storm Cat, on behalf of Paul Saylor.
"The two major players in the industry just didn't hook up on her," said Saylor, who added that it was bittersweet to see her go. "There were players there, but they were not the players that can play in the $3-million and above range. I hope her Storm Cat colt is a world beater."
Jane Lyon said she did not bid on Fleet Indian while she was in the auction ring. "I really thought she would top the sale," Lyon said. "Being commercial breeders, there is a limit as to what we can spend and when she was in the ring, her price went up so quick. When we found out that she did not sell, we were thrilled to have the chance to buy a champion."
Mark Moloney, Summer Wind Farm manager, made an offer to Saylor and Taylor Made to purchase the mare privately.
Lyon said the Storm Cat colt Fleet Indian is carrying probably would be sold as a yearling at public auction. No decision on which stallion Fleet Indian will be sent back to has been made.
Carrying Saylor's colors in 2006, Fleet Indian reeled off six consecutive victories in added-money events while trained by Todd Pletcher. She suffered her only 2006 loss in the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. She was the favorite in the race, but broke down at the top of the stretch.
Saylor had entered her in the Keeneland November sale last year, but scratched her following her injury. She also was entered in the Keeneland January auction earlier this year and was scratched after undergoing surgery for her injuries.
Fleet Indian earned $1,704,513 during her competitive career and won 13 of her 19 races. She won a 2006 Eclipse Award as the champion older female.