Keeneland sale: Harmonious sells to Mandore International Agency for $2.8 million

French bloodstock agency Mandore International Agency made its presence felt early during Tuesday’s first session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale, purchasing the first seven-figure horse of the sale, multiple Grade 1 winner Harmonious for $2.8 million.

The 5-year-old Dynaformer mare, who was sold as a broodmare prospect, has a résumé highlighted by a pair of Grade 1 wins in 2010, taking the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes and the American Oaks. In total, Harmonious won 4 of 13 career starts for earnings of $625,420. She was retired in July.

Benoit Jeffroy, who signed the ticket for a client he declined to name, said the price was about what he expected for the mare. He said he would discuss the mare’s plans with her new owner before making a decision on where she will be sent for her broodmare career.

“She’s a beautiful mare,” Jeffroy said. “She’s got size and scope, and she’s by Dynaformer, who’s a top stallion, and out of a Storm Cat mare. She’s a very attractive mare to have.”

Harmonious is out of the unraced Storm Cat mare Jade Tree. She is from the family of champion Landaluce, Grade 1 winner Startac, and Grade 2 winner Jade Flush.

Homebred in Kentucky by Pam and Martin Wygod, Harmonious was trained by John Shirreffs during her racing career and was consigned at the sale by Lane’s End, agent. This was her first time being sold at public auction.

Earlier in the morning, Mandore International went to $385,000 on Gointobegone, a half-sister to champion Smarty Jones. The unraced Smart Strike mare was sold carrying her first foal, by Giant’s Causeway.