Lady Eli, the popular Eclipse Award champion who captivated the racing world with her fiery spirit and triumph over laminitis, drew one last public round of applause on Monday as she lit up the bid board at $4.2 million at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.
Last year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall selected mixed sale set a high bar for this year's renewal to clear, as a pair of dual Eclipse Award champions fueled some of the best figures in the auction’s history. But Sunday’s action at the star-studded single-session sale was strong from start to finish, and, improbably, improved on last year’s excellent outing, with record gross receipts and strong average and median figures.
Our special edition brings you in-depth coverage of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall selected mixed sale, set for the night of Nov. 4, and the Keeneland September breeding stock sale, which runs from Nov. 5-16.
Battle of Midway was retired to stud after winning the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, but was found to be subfertile and was returned to training. He continues to compete in stakes company – and that could spike the value of the handful of foals that will be born to him.
California Chrome was among the most popular racehorses of recent years. His progeny are also sure to draw a cult following when they reach the racetrack – but first, they'll test their commercial popularity.
Gun Runner and Arrogate were tied together on the racetrack as rivals. Both champions entered stud earlier this year in Kentucky, and both will be represented by their first mares in foal offered at the Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland November breeding stock sales.
Following are horses to watch during the Keeneland November breeding stock sale's elite Book 1 portion, which is set for Nov. 5. Horses were selected based primarily on their pedigrees and the racing or commercial results of notable family members.
Lady Eli will get a chance to make one more headline at Keeneland as she is the star attraction of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale, where she is likely to at last come through the ring after two prior scratches from the prominent mixed auction.
Less than 24 hours after the Breeders' Cup, some of the same Thoroughbreds will come before the same leading judges of bloodstock gathered at Fasig-Tipton's headquarters in Lexington for the annual November auction.
Following are horses to watch during the Fasig-Tipton November sale, a single-session auction on Nov. 4. Horses were selected based primarily on their pedigrees and the racing or commercial results of notable family members.
