TCA stallion season auction raises more than $700K

The 23rd annual Thoroughbred Charities of America Select Stallion Season Auction generated robust bidding on 22 stallion seasons and other prizes on Jan. 5 at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington, Ky., boosted by a late addition to the stallion season list who arrived straight from the industry headlines.

Overall receipts for the evening auction came in at $727,000, a number that may be adjusted slightly, as some of the seasons had reserve prices.

Late addition Into Mischief, whose 3-year-olds Goldencents and Vyjack both won graded stakes on Saturday, brought a final bid of $19,500. Spendthrift Farms’ Into Mischief was named DRF Breeding’s Hot Sire of the week on January 2.

Other seasons auctioned were to Arch, Bodemeister, Broken Vow, Congrats, Curlin, Elusive Quality, English Channel, Exchange Rate, First Samurai, Gio Ponti, Harlan’s Holiday, Kitten’s Joy, Macho Uno, Malibu Moon, Medaglia d’Oro, More Than Ready, Quality Road, Shackleford, Smart Strike, Speightstown, and Super Saver.

A telephone auction also was conducted Jan. 3 and 4. Bids on 173 seasons for stallions standing throughout the country were taken, with figures expected to be available next week.

Two awards were presented by TCA prior to the live auction. Owner-breeder Frank Stronach was given the TCA Leadership Award for his work with the Adena Springs retirement program, which has placed over 100 Thoroughbreds in new homes following their racing careers.

The Belmont Child Care Association was presented the TCA Industry Service Award for its work in building Anna House on the grounds of Belmont Park. Opened in 2002, the center teaches a myriad of skills as well as English to the children of backstretch workers.