Keeneland November: Lady of Shamrock to Wertheimer family for $2 million

Multiple Grade 1 winner Lady of Shamrock will join the broodmare band of French-based Wertheimer et Frere, secured for a price of $2 million on Tuesday at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.

The 4-year-old Scat Daddy filly retires with seven wins in 18 career starts for earnings of $950,400, running for Hronis Racing and trainer John Sadler. She was a leading 3-year-old turf filly in 2012, winning the Grade 1 American Oaks and Del Mar Oaks, as well as the Grade 3 Providencia Stakes. This year, she added the Grade 2 Santa Barbara Handicap to her resume.

“She’s a very nice, tough filly,” said Pierre Yves-Bureau, racing manager for the racing and breeding operation of brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer. “We’ve been trying to buy a few mares the last few days, so we’re happy to get one this good.”

Yves-Bureau said that a decision has not been made about whether Lady of Shamrock will remain in the U.S. for her broodmare career or be sent to Europe, but she will indeed be retired.

“She will not be running for the Wertheimers,” he said. “I think she proved everything well and now it’s time to breed her.”

Bred in Kentucky by Grovendale Sales, Lady of Shamrock is out of the Blushing John mare Blushing Issue, the dam of six winners from eight foals to race, led by Grade 2 winner Smooth Jazz and stakes winner She’s Sensational. Lady of Shamrock’s page also includes Grade 1 winner Royal Chariot and Grade 3 winner Future Storm.

Lane’s End consigned Lady of Shamrock as agent.