The second session of the OBS spring sale of 2-year-olds in training showcased the remarkable allure of top-tier thoroughbreds, with several horses fetching seven-figure prices. Among the highlights was Hip 601, a Gun Runner colt who commanded $1.45 million, purchased by Kerri Radcliffe on behalf of Memo Racing. This transaction set the tone for an extraordinary day that saw six horses sell for $1 million or more, surpassing previous records. Industry insiders expressed awe at the exceptional quality of the consignments, attributing the success to the continuous improvement in the caliber of horses presented at auctions.
Steven Venosa, representing S G V Thoroughbreds, displayed unwavering confidence in the potential of Hip 601. He remarked that exceptional horses inevitably capture the market's attention. The colt's impressive lineage includes being sired by Gun Runner and descending from the winning Empire Maker mare Vanquished. Furthermore, his under-tack performance, where he clocked in at 10 seconds flat, solidified his appeal among buyers. Venosa praised the team effort behind preparing the colt for the auction, emphasizing that standout horses naturally draw significant interest.
Kerri Radcliffe, purchasing agent for Memo Racing, highlighted the inherent qualities of the Gun Runner colt that made him a standout. Beyond his prestigious bloodline, the colt exhibited physical excellence and performed admirably during the under-tack showcase. Earlier in the session, Radcliffe also acquired another high-profile colt, Hip 378, a Nyquist offspring, for $1.05 million. This dark bay or brown colt, consigned by Harris Training Center, boasts a distinguished pedigree through his dam Saucy Dame, a Distorted Humor mare.
Raul Reyes of Kings Equine celebrated a successful day with two seven-figure sales. One of these transactions involved a $1.4 million Into Mischief colt sold to Libya-based bloodstock agent Mahmud Mouni. This colt, hailing from the same dam as undefeated multiple stakes winner Taraz, demonstrated elite speed during the under-tack show. Additionally, Reyes facilitated the sale of a Tiz the Law filly for $1.05 million to Mouni, further cementing the day's record-breaking achievements.
The day's third-highest price was achieved when owner Kaleem Shah, alongside Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, paid $1.3 million for Hip 585, a Yaupon colt. Asmussen noted similarities between this promising colt and his sire in terms of temperament, reinforcing the decision to invest significantly in acquiring such talent. Another notable acquisition came from Donato Lanni, acting for Zedan Racing, who secured a Tiz the Law colt for $1.15 million. Lanni praised the colt's work ethic and family depth, underscoring the careful selection process that led to this purchase.
The OBS April sale not only shattered records but also reaffirmed the industry's optimism and focus on identifying future champions. The day's proceedings exemplified the synergy between consignors' dedication to presenting superior stock and buyers' willingness to invest in equine excellence. As the auction season progresses, anticipation builds for more groundbreaking moments in the world of thoroughbred trading.
