Regis Farms to disperse stock at Keeneland November sale

Nat Rea’s Regis Farms will offer a 41-horse complete dispersal of its Thoroughbred bloodstock at the upcoming Keeneland November breeding stock sale, to be consigned by Three Chimneys as agent.

The dispersal will feature 20 horses of racing age, 15 broodmares, and six weanlings, all offered without reserve.

“I have shifted all my business focus to oil,” Rea said. “I see great opportunity in that business today. I’m passionate about both industries, and love the horses, but I can’t devote my time to both, so I had to make a choice.”

Rea entered the Thoroughbred marketplace in 2012 after retiring from Martinrea International, the successful auto parts company he founded. He quickly made an impact in the auction arena, purchasing several high-dollar offerings, and bought the 367-acre Hopewell Farm in Woodford County, Ky., for $5.2 million in October 2013.

Among the horses purchased or bred by Rea that will be offered at the Keeneland November sale are Kentucky Oaks runner-up Shook Up; Canadian Horse of the Year Sealy Hill, who sells in foal to Medaglia d’Oro; Bijou, a half-sister to Grade 1 winners Certify and Cry and Catch Me; Grade 2 winner Seduire; Tapas, in foal to Distorted Humor; and graded-placed stakes winners Zindaya and Donworth.

“My relationship with [Three Chimneys chairman] Goncalo Torrealba is why I chose Three Chimneys as my agent for this dispersal – I’m impressed with what he and his team are doing at Three Chimneys Farm,” Rea said. “I told him I had decided to sell all of my equine interests and my farm, and within a week Three Chimneys structured a deal that was a win-win on every level. I am not certain who else would have been able to so fluidly construct such a seamless deal.

“As part of the agreement, all of the great staff at Regis Farms will remain fully employed going forward, which was extremely important to me,” he continued. “I will miss the business and sincerely wish buyers the best of luck with their purchases from out consignment.”

Case Clay, chief commercial officer of Three Chimneys, said the Regis Farm dispersal would be part of an over 90-horse overall offering from the farm’s consignment wing.

“We are honored to act as agent for the Regis Farm dispersal,” Clay said. “Mr. Rea has accumulated an outstanding group of horses with high-quality pedigrees and physicals to match, and they fall into various categories and price points, so there will be something for everyone.”