Justify Colt Tops 'Solid' First Session of Kentucky October Yearlings

Monday, October 23, 2023
justify colt fasig-tipton
Fasig-Tipton Photo

The first session of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings sale was held Monday, October 23, at the Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, Kentucky. The session was led by a pair of colts from the third crop of Triple Crown winner and successful young sire Justify.

Gavin O'Connor, agent for John Stewart, secured the session topping Justify colt (Hip 227) for $500,000 (video). The gray or roan colt was consigned by Woods Edge Farm, agent. Hip 227 is out of the stakes placed French Deputy mare Champagne Royale, dam of eight winners from as many to race, including Grade 1 winners Majestic Harbor (Rockport Harbor) and Danza (Street Boss). Champagne Royale is also the dam of the winning Elusive Quality mare Totally Tucker, who has produced a pair of graded stakes winners in Totally Boss and Super Steed. Hip 227 was bred in Kentucky.

"It was a solid start to the Kentucky October Yearlings sale," said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. "The results were basically in line with expectations and what we've seen throughout the marketplace in 2023."

Justify was also responsible for the session's second highest priced yearling, a colt (Hip 39) sold for $300,000 to De Meric Sales, agent, from the consignment of Paramount Sales, agent. The bay colt is out of the winning Medaglia d'Oro mare Allegheny Angel, whose three winners to date include graded stakes placed stakes winner Who Nellie (Orb) and stakes placed Cowtown (Tonalist). Hip 39 hails from the immediate family of Grade 1 winners Awesome Humor, Emcee, and Constitution. The colt was bred in Kentucky by Doug Branham and Felicia Branham.

Rounding out the top five prices of the session were:

  • A filly from the second crop of Omaha Beach (Hip 155), sold for $240,000 to Kindred Stables Inc. from the consignment of Indian Creek, agent. Out of the winning Medaglia d'Oro mare Blenheim Palace, the dark bay or brown filly hails from the immediate family of champions Sky Beauty and Qasar and Grade 1 winners Pleasant Home, Guarana, Violence, Tale of Ekati, and Point of Entry. Hip 155 was bred in Kentucky by William Harrigan and Mike Pietrangelo.
  • A colt from the first crop of Preakness S. (G1) winner War of Will (Hip 194), sold for $230,000 to Gary Barber from the consignment of Denali Stud, agent. Out of Callista, a winning full sister to graded stakes placed stakes winner, the bay colt is a half-brother to stakes winner Diamond City (Shackleford) and to graded stakes placed winner Barista (Medaglia d'Oro). The immediate family includes Grade 1 winners Sweet Talker, Sam's Sister, and Include Me Out. Hip 194 was bred in Kentucky by Canvasback.
  • A filly from the first crop of Horse of the Year Authentic (Hip 312), sold for $225,000 to Jones and Everett, agent, from the consignment of Eaton Sales, agent. The bay filly is out of the winning Unbridled's Song mare C. S. Royce, who has already produced six winners, included graded stakes winner Sweeping Paddy (Paddy O'Prado), stakes winner C. S. Incharge (Take Charge Indy), multiple Grade 1 placed Cherry Wine (Paddy O'Prado), and recent Jessamine S. (G2) runner up Pharaoh's Wine (American Pharoah). The filly hails from the immediate family of champion Exciting Story. Hip 312 was bred in Kentucky.

"I think we'll have a solid marketplace the next three days," added Browning. "We're getting a lot of horses moved to a variety of buyers. We're looking forward to doing it again tomorrow."


Overall, 257 yearlings sold for $11,224,800, good for an average of $43,676. Thirty-six (36) offerings sold for $100,000 or more.


Results are available online. The sale resumes Tuesday, October 24, at 10 AM.