Coteau Grove runners add to Louisiana yearling sale

OPELOUSAS, La. – The announcement last week by Coteau Grove Farms that it will reduce its racing operations to concentrate on its breeding program promises to change the racing landscape in southern Louisiana. The effects will be felt almost immediately, as the Sunset, La., operation will offer several of its most productive horses in training as a supplement to the annual Equine Sales Co. of Louisiana select yearling sale Sept. 3 in nearby Opelousas.

Coteau Grove also has consigned 10 yearlings to the Breeders Sales Co. of Louisiana yearling sale Sept. 23 in West Monroe.

Among the horses of racing age going on the block are Union Builder, the winner of the D.S. “Shine” Young Futurity this summer at Evangeline Downs and most recently second in the Louisiana Cup Juvenile at Louisiana Downs, and Afternoon Tango, the winner of the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint earlier this month.

Also available are a couple of nicely bred 2-year-olds: Warrior Dash, who is by Unbridled’s Song and out of the Mineshaft mare Jasmine Gardens, and Chocopologie, a Candy Ride colt who ran a promising third in his debut Aug. 7.

Coteau Grove’s dispersal joins more than 230 yearlings for the upcoming sale and makes a potentially successful event that much better, according to the Equine Sales Co.’s Foster Bridewell.

“We are excited to have them as a supplement,” Bridewell said. “These are some nice horses that are going to make an impact right away. The way the market is going, and from all of the interest we have had, not only locally but from out of town as well, we are expecting a good sale.”