Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #19

Fillies in the paddock at Lane's End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Fillies in the paddock at Lane’s End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

Sales have always fascinated me but I don’t have a full understanding of all the mechanics of them. How is it chosen which yearlings will be sent to auction and what sales they will be sent to?

Brooke Coleman

Versailles, KY

A: Determining if a yearling will go to public auction depends on a number of factors, beginning with the initial interests of the breeder. Some clients breed to race, some breed specifically to sell, and some do a little bit of both.

Sale nominations are submitted to the auction companies by May 1st of their yearling year; this is when it is determined who will be kept to race and who will be pointed towards a sale. This decision is generally made by the owner in conjunction with the advice given by our managerial and sales staff here at Lane’s End.

Various sales are held throughout the summer and fall; some are “select”, meaning nominated yearlings must be accepted by the sale companies upon inspection, and other sales are open, or acceptable for all types of yearlings. Determining which sale to nominate a yearling to prior to the May 1st deadline depends on a few important factors:

1) Physical
Yearlings are very similar to teenagers—they can go through awkward stages as they grow and develop, so it is important to select a sale that corresponds well with a horse’s maturity level. Our public sales and managerial staff inspect yearlings every two-three weeks through the Spring months. Notations are made on the horse’s conformation, condition, stride, and even demeanor. Maintaining notes on their physical development allows us to judge how each horse matures and determine the most appropriate sale for them.

2) Vetting
When all yearlings at Lane’s End are between 10-11 months of age, a set of survey x-rays (36 views) is taken to help us determine if any joints need special attention or surgery based on radiographic findings. For sale yearlings, survey x-rays also allow us to establish a suitable exercise program for each yearling entering the sale prep routine on June 1st.
We are mindful of survey x-rays at sale nomination time because radiographic findings can affect how commercial a yearling will be at a sale. Another set of x-rays are taken within 21 days of the auction date and provided for veterinarians to review on behalf of potential buyers.

3) Pedigree
The strength of a yearling’s pedigree also affects which sale we nominate it to. For example, a horse by a proven sire out of a stakes winner/producer will appeal to buyers at select sale venues. Alternatively, a horse with an unproven family will probably be best-suited for a larger, open sale venue where there are more potential buyers present, some of whom may not have steep pedigree requirements.

Lane’s End typically consigns yearlings at the following sales:

July 15: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale
A one-day select sale best suited for a physically forward yearling with few (if any) significant radiographic findings. Because it is a select sale, all yearlings must be accepted in a conformation inspection performed by the sale company. Physicals and X-Rays are very important here as this is the first summer yearling sale and buyers are not pressed to purchase a horse that doesn’t meet their exact requirements. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 283
Average sale price: $81,291
Median sale price: $60,000

August 5-6: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale
A select sale taking place over two evening sessions, held in conjunction with the prestigious race meet in Saratoga Springs, NY. Physical, pedigree, and vetting are all extremely important at this sale as it is concentrated with some of the best yearlings to be found all year. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 162
Average sale price: $299,065
Median sale price: $225,000

August 10-11: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York – Bred Yearlings
A two-day sale for New York-Bred yearlings only. Athletic-looking individuals sell well here as the sale is well-attended by trainers and end-users looking to race in the lucrative state-bred program. Minimum bid required: $5,000
2012 # Catalogued: 223
Average sale price: $62,551
Median sale price: $50,000

September 9-20: Keeneland September Yearling Sale
This is the largest yearling sale in the world and it is suitable for yearlings of all types… a one-stop shop for buyers! 11-12 sale sessions are typically catalogued within 6 sale books. Horses catalog primarily by pedigree with the best pedigree + physical combinations selling in Books 1-2. Keeneland September attract thousands of international and domestic owners, trainers, and bloodstock agents. Minimum bid required: $1,000
2012 # Catalogued: 3,604
Average sale price: $87,354
Median sale price: $45,000

October 21-23: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale
A three-day sale acceptable for all yearling types, especially late bloomers! This sale is also a good option for yearlings that may have been injured or experienced a physical setback over the summer months. Minimum bid required: $1,000
# Catalogued: 1,254
Average sale price: $26,127
Median sale price: $12,750

Our Expert

allaire

Allaire Ryan

Sales, Lane’s End

Allaire was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She developed an early interest in Thoroughbreds by attending the sales after school with her father, a bloodstock agent, and growing up she gained sales experience working for various farms and consignors. She works with clients old and new to develop Lane’s End’s public sale consignments of yearlings and breeding stock.

Reader Interactions

1,118 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,

    FOR THOSE CONCERNED ABOUT BLACK CAVIAR WEIGHT GAIN – see below:

    Wise Dan gained 100 lbs in 2 months at Lopresti’s farm.

    Black Caviar gained 154 lbs in 6 months when on holiday.

    When compared to Wise Dan she did not gain much.

    There is some politics behind this, any ideas Kathy R???

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign: The folk that raised Nelly as a foal are on record as saying all the family likes their food – that includes Helsinge. I think letting her totally relax – including just eating what and when she liked, was part of the plan, probably put forward by Moody’s people, to let her recover from the Ascot campaign. They may also have been thinking that the connections would just let her go to the breeding barn. I still think they should have decided to do that when at Ascot, and left her in England to meet up with, say Frankel. But that’s just me. I’ve said I’m not happy with her return to the track – have seen some really good horses go back and finish at the tail of the field, and it’s not a happy way to finish a career. I just wish the connections had “done a Moss” and retired her on top – they still could have had exhibition gallops at various tracks, if they hadn’t left her in the UK for breeding, but now they’ll just have to wear the consequences if the current plan falls in a heap. And I don’t want to see her humiliated. The trainer and connections can just wear that, if it happens, but the horse does not deserve that.

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy R,

        So very much agree with you. Putting BC out for a holiday for 6 months really let her clear her head after a really grueling 2012 campaign and that very taxing
        win at Royal Ascot.

        Some horses really do like their food more than others,
        just like humans. Jethro was very picky about his food, if it looked or smelled funny, he did not eat it and that was that.

        We can only hope they are going to do the best for her, she does deserve the best. Such a very gorgeous talented mare.

  4. / Reply

    Don’t know if you all go to the Forum, but there are some great reports by Kurt who is doing a tour of the farms in the Lexington area. He is reporting where he went and who he saw on a day to day basis.

  5. / Reply

    The Feb. issue of Vanity Fair magazine has a nice write up,with beautiful photos,about the Aga Khan farms.
    I was told the photos are great. Soon to be on news stands.
    Always,good reading!

  6. / Reply

    dear ann will look out for for that would love to know how zarkava and her sea the stars colt are doing how are moose and goose these days?hope weather not too cold with you a real blast of cold air over here!hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Good to hear from you,Sheena. Please stay cozy and warm. M&G are great,will probably end up in the farm pond by the end of weekend. Our temps to be above 70 degrees,crazy! I’ll take it but our horses,in their fuzzy,warm winter coats are confused. No clipping yet for them,the winter can still have some nasty days ahead.
      Zarkava and her leap!!! What a gorgeous one she is.
      So,really want the Hot drinks but guess we will have the iced kind for now.
      have a great weekend.
      If you have not read this,it is wonderful,by our Abigail here on the sire……
      http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/great-euro-fillies-zarkava-all-along/

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann:
        Thanks for this link to the Vault. Wow, what a great pedigree Zarkava has. Love her little Sea The Stars filly. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Ann:

          Oops. Mixed up the sires. Dalakhani filly and Sea The Stars colt. Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Well I have spent the last three days and part nights at
    WinStar stablemates to watch one of their mares foal.
    They had a storm that knocked their power and cameras out
    This morning I knew it, the mare delivered and I missed it.
    Oh well, the season is young.
    2 colts born, 1 by Harlan’s Holiday and the other
    another colt by Drosselmeyer.

  8. / Reply

    Good Morning Zenny …
    Eat…..rest…..exercise…..sleep….spa appts with mud baths…..
    Keep up the good work….
    …..
    To IWillNeverBeWeeAgainZ……run and play with your friends…enjoy a great day
    ……
    Off to Oaklawn…..opening day….expecting it to be very busy…
    …..
    Kisses for all soft noses ….carrots and peppermints for all

  9. / Reply

    Ray Paulick‏ tweet
    Today is opening day at @OaklawnRacing – a sure sign that spring will soon be here. Good luck to horsemen and fans for a great meeting.

    Not quite spring at Santa Anita
    HorseRacingPicks‏ tweet Is it really 28 degrees outside in SoCal this morning? Yes! First post at @santaanitapark is 1:00 p.m. (PT)
    Wear your scarves!

  11. / Reply

    HRI Racing‏ (Horse Racing Ireland) tweets Race Changes
    The Martin Moloney Stakes has been moved from June 21st to May 5th and will now be for 4yos and up over 12½ furlongs …to provide an additional early season opportunity for middle distance horses.

    Correction:HRI announces the introduction of the Patton Stakes (listed) – a Guineas trial for 3yos over 7furlongs at Dundalk on 5th April. Here is the original tweet:The 7f Guineas Trial at the Curragh in April, which currently is named the Loughbrown Stakes, has been deleted from the programme.

    Also introduced is the listed Loughbrown Stakes for 3yos and up over 2 miles at the Curragh on 29th September

    Two Dundalk races have been moved earlier in the calendar: the Carlingford Stakes
    to October 18th & the Cooley Stakes to November 1st.

  12. / Reply

    Tom Hall‏@lordatwar tweet
    A hint of things to come for REDOUTE’S CHOICE French connection?
    Redoute’s Choice c o/o Aga Khan-bred Daralara (Barathea) for A$575,000

  13. / Reply

    Sue Fla., Happy Belated Birthday to you. I am always a day late and a dollar short, but I sure hope you will do something extremely enjoyable, or did do something enjoyable. I do not get on here too often although all the Zesters and dumplings are very special to me. Keep enjoying the weather in Fl. I was at Tampa Bay Downs last year when vacationing. Take Charge Indy was scratched that day because they decided it would be best for him at another Fl track. He won at that track just a few days later!! Yahoo for Take Charge Indy. I wished I could have seen him.
    hugs, Sally B

  14. / Reply

    dear ann thanks so much for the link to zarkava she such a great filly was sad the aga khan retired her so young but he’s all into breeding weather is so funny warm with you and frost with keta know which i’d prefer!!glad moose and goose are happy lovely pics of zenyatta and 12z on other blog great to see them so happy not long to wait now!!love and hugs sheena

  16. / Reply

    Assail scratching shakes up Magic Millions Classic market
    Posted by: Morgan Payne Filled in: Horse Racing Betting | 12/1/2013 at 9:03am
    Race favourite Assail who was a $3.60 chance this morning has been a late scratching for today’s Magic Millions Classic at Gold Coast racecourse. Assail has been taken out on stewards advise due to a foot abscess. With the scratching as expected the whole market has changed with Clevadude the outright $3.40 favourite ahead of Missy Long Stockings at $4.60 . View the full Magic Millions Classic market.

    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/general-news/betting/assail-scratching-shakes-up-magic-millions-classic-market/183666 #ixzz2HiRL5VAy

  19. / Reply

    Gio Ponti’s First Foal Arrives in Ontario
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Friday, January 11, 2013 7:12 PM
    The first reported foal by three-time Eclipse Award Winner Gio Ponti was born Jan. 11 at Huntington Stud Farm in Kleinburg, Ontario.
    Kissin Party, a stakes placed daughter of Kissin Kris, produced the chestnut colt by Gio Ponti.
    Owner Dan Mooney said he was “delighted with the foal who has good size, bone and great quality.”
    Gio Ponti, an 8-year-old son of Tale of the Cat out of the Alydar mare Chipeta Springs, was champion turf male in both 2009 and 2010 and champion older male in 2009. He stands at Castleton Lyons near Lexington in for $20,000 in 2013.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75525/gio-pontis-first-foal-arrives-in-ontario#ixzz2HiX2gvq3

  23. / Reply

    Hello Everyone:
    Last night was quite a night for the Eclipse Awards.

    Congratulations to Wise Dan on his wiinning of the 2012 HOY!

    Also Congratulations to Dale Romans winning the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer of the Year. In fact, a clipping was shown of Dale greeting fans at his barn, and there was our Auntie Judy! Not too bad Judy to have a shot of you shown at the Eclipse Awards.

    Another exciting note was made that 2012 was a great year for horse racing. Attendance was up amongst other things. I hope we have another great year.

    It was a great evening!

  25. / Reply

    What type of problem might indicate surgery for a yearling. Might this not be a problem that should be bred out?
    Thanks

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