Lunsford Buying Back Half-Interest in Madcap Escapade

Bruce Lunsford has nearly completed a deal with John Sikura of Hill 'n' Dale Farm near Lexington to buy back a half-interest in Madcap Escapade and the Pulpit foal she is carrying. Lunsford said Thursday in a telephone interview that he would also have a 50% interest in the any future foals produced by the 5-year-old daughter of Hennessy.

Lunsford sold Madcap Escapade, through Claiborne Farm, to Sikura for $6 million Monday at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.

"That mare touches my heart, and when I saw her in the sale ring, she touched my heart even more," Lunsford said. "I've had a longstanding relationship with John, and when I found out he had bought her, I know he usually has investors in with him. I just went over to congratulate him and talked to him for a few minutes (about an interest in Madcap Escapade). He was open to it, and we've talked a couple of times since. I don't see any reason we won't get it done. For all intents and purposes, it's pretty much finalized now. We're going through the mechanics for getting it completed, which simply involves informing Keeneland. With him and me, it will be simple. We'll probably have a one-page document. It won't be anything complicated."

Lunsford purchased Madcap Escapade, through trainer Frankie Brothers, for $160,000 at the 2002 Keeneland September yearling auction. She scored in the 2004 Ashand Stakes and six other added-money events while earning $1,052,852.

Sikura will manage Madcap Escapade's broodmare career and be responsible for choosing which stallions to send her to, according to Lunsford.

"I will turn the responsibility over to John; I trust him," Lunsford said.