Wingsea sold in courthouse lobby

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Wingsea, the 21-year-old dam of millionaire graded stakes-winner Polar Expedition, sold to Dr. DeDe McGehee's Heaven Trees Farm for $2,000 Wednesday at a courthouse auction in Lexington.

The auction came about after Wingsea's owner, James Cody, abandoned her at Hilary Boone's Wimbledon Farm near Lexington. Wimbledon staff and attorneys had been unable to contact Cody for the last two years, even after suing him for nearly $30,000 they claimed he owed them for her care. Cody's failure to respond resulted in a default judgment against him, clearing the way for Wimbledon to sell the mare.

Trainer Neil Pessin represented McGehee at the auction, which took place in the lobby of the Fayette circuit courthouse. Three bidders, including Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation representative Michael Blowen, attended the auction.

Pessin said that McGehee, a veterinarian, may try to breed Wingsea.

"If we get a foal out of her, great," he said. "If we don't, she'll have a paddock for the rest of her life. She deserves a nice home, and she's got a spot forever."

Wingsea, a daughter of Wing out and the Snow Sporting mare Snowy Cape, produced multiple Grade 2 winner Polar Expedition and stakes winner Penny's Secretary.