Pauls Mill, McCauley dispersals boost November sales

While this year’s Keeneland November breeding stock sale lacked a high-profile dispersal – such as Conquest Stables last year when 100 horses sold for more than $11.2 million – two smaller dispersals from longtime breeders did provide a respectable boost to the market, accounting for a combined $5.25 million in revenues.

Ben and Elaine Walden's Pauls Mill Farm grossed $2,887,000 from 39 horses sold. The dispersal of McCauley Farm, which was handled by Paramount Sales, as agent, grossed $2,363,000 from 25 sold.

Walden, the brother of WinStar Farm executive Elliott Walden, announced in August that he would disperse his Thoroughbred holdings to devote more time to Christian ministry and associated pursuits. His Pauls Mill Farm had already been on the market for some time.

“It is very difficult to be successful today in the Thoroughbred industry without a singular focus and relentless commitment,” Walden said in a release. “A recent month-long mission trip to the Philippines had a unique impact on the decision to walk away from the horse business."

During his career in Thoroughbred racing, Walden bred more than 100 stakes winners, highlighted by Eclipse Award champion Artax. He has also helped develop several farms, including founding Vinery in 1985.

Leading the Pauls Mill dispersal was My Hope, an Afleet Alex mare who sold for $525,000 to Cheveley Park Stud. The unraced mare, offered in foal to Medaglia d'Oro, is out of Apt, the dam of Grade 3-winning millionaire Carve and stakes winners Sloane Avenue and Apropos.

Apt herself was also in the sale, and sold for $280,000 to WinStar Farm, which was active in this dispersal, in partnership with Larry Taylor. The A.P. Indy mare, a half-sister to champion Blame, was sold in foal to Uncle Mo.

The top price out of the McCauley Farm dispersal was $285,000 Dee Dee Bertie, purchased by Three Chimneys Farm. The Bluegrass Cat mare is out of Grade 2 winner De Bertie, dam of Grade 3 winners Uptown Bertie and Whirlie Bertie, as well as stakes winner Get Ready Bertie. Whirlie Bertie and Get Ready Bertie have both produced stakes-placed runners.

Dee Dee Bertie sold carrying her first foal, to the cover of More Than Ready, the sire of Uptown Bertie and Get Ready Bertie.

Nathan McCauley, who is the co-managing partner of Abbondanza Racing, said that his father, Ron McCauley, reached out to him this spring for his assistance in dispersing the stock.

"My parents have decided to step away from the business to create more time for other areas of life, especially to spend additional time with their nine grandchildren,” Nathan McCauley said.