Luna Wells Becomes Fourth Horse to Bring $800,000 or More at Keeneland January Sale

Luna Wells, in foal to Storm Cat, sold for $800,000 Tuesday near the midway point of the Keeneland January mixed auction's second session. Irish bloodstock agent John McCormack signed the sale ticket for the French group I winner. The 11-year-old daughter of Sadler's Wells was the fourth horse to bring $800,000 or more at the January auction.

McCormack said Luna Wells would be owned by an Irish breeder. Paul Shanahan and Aisling Duignan of Coolmore Stud were standing nearby. One reporter saw Shanahan place a finger on his lips, and say, "Shhhhh," while looking at McCormack.

"She has a good foal (a 2003 Storm Cat colt) and hopefully there will be more from her," said John McCormack. "She's a nice mare, and she's a group I winner, so you have to appreciate that. She's well-covered -- now let's hope (for the best)."

Produced from the French group III-placed Breton mare Lunadix, Luna Wells is a half-sister to French champion Long Mick (by Gay Macene) and French classic winner Linamix (by Mendez). Luna Wells had brought more than $3 million when she sold in 1996 at Tattersalls in England. Her 2003 Storm Cat colt was bred by Stanley Gumberg's Skara Glen Stables.