Chef-owner-breeder Bobby Flay to disperse European bloodstock

Celebrity chef and Thoroughbred owner and breeder Bobby Flay will disperse his European-based bloodstock holdings at sales on both sides of the Atlantic this fall.

"Racing and breeding Thoroughbreds in Europe has been a rewarding and fruitful experience for me over the last decade," Flay said in a release.

"The people who own the farms, run the sales companies and train the horses have been nothing but great partners in my quest to run a successful business. I have decided, however, to disperse my European stock at upcoming sales and they will be offered without a reserve. To be clear, I am not leaving the business as a whole. In fact, I will continue to add more robust pedigrees to my American team now and in the future. This decision is strictly based on geography and where I spend most of my time. I look forward to seeing these special horses find new homes and at the same time I look forward to a more-focused domestic business."

Flay's dispersal will include Grade 3 winner Cover Song, who will be consigned by Elite Sales, as agent, at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall selected mixed sale on Nov. 4. The daughter of leading Australian sire Fastnet Rock is out of Group 1 winner Misty For Me, making her a half-sister to Group 1 winners Roly Poly and U S Navy Flag. She will be the first mare ever offered at Fasig-Tipton in foal to successful international sire Dubawi.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to present the most elite young pedigree to come to public auction in quite some time," Elite Sales president Bradley Weisbord said.

“As a 5-year-old, she represents the best combination of age, ability, family and covering sire ever presented. She is in foal on her first cover to international super sire Dubawi, who is out of the reach of many breeders. Her dam, Misty for Me, was a champion, and both of her siblings are recent multiple Group 1 winners. It's extremely rare for a young mare like this to come to public auction, and she will appeal to every major breeding operation around the world."

In Europe, Flay will disperse three broodmares, two racing or broodmare prospects, and three foals at the Tattersalls December breeding stock sale, via Baroda and Colbinstown, as agent.