Tapit Colt Shines During Vibrant Opening Session of Kentucky October Yearlings

Monday, October 25, 2021
fasig-tipton photo
Fasig-Tipton Photo

Strong trade marked the opening session of the 2021 Kentucky October Yearlings sale Monday at Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, Kentucky. The day's gross sales of $11,016,900 represented a single-session record in the sale's history.

A colt by three-time Leading Sire Tapit topped the session when sold for $700,000 to Donato Lanni, agent for SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables (video). Bedouin Bloodstock, agent, consigned the colt as Hip 22. The bay colt is the first foal out of the stakes winning Shanghai Bobby mare March X Press, a half-sister to stakes winner and stakes producer Harlan's Honor. Bred in Kentucky, Hip 22's price tag matched the second-highest paid for a colt in the history of the Kentucky October Yearlings sale.

"I'm very pleased with the opening session of the October sale," said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. "(There was) spirited bidding at all levels, lots of competition, and a very diverse crowd that was here to buy horses... It's very encouraging."

Rounding out the sessions top five prices were:

  • Hip 21, a Justify colt out of multiple stakes winner Maple Forest (Forestry), purchased for $350,000 by John P. Fort from the consignment of Blue Heaven Farm (video). The chestnut colt is a half-brother to multiple graded stakes-placed multiple stakes winner Heartwood. Hip 21 was bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm.
  • Hip 266, a Union Rags colt out of graded stakes winner Purely Hot (Pure Prize), purchased for $235,000 by Redwings from the consignment of Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. The bay colt is a half-brother to two winners, including 2019 American Pharoah S. (G1) winner Eight Rings (Empire Maker). Hip 266 was bred in Kentucky by Orpendale, Cheslton, & Wynatt.
  • Hip 273, a colt by the late Malibu Moon out the stakes-placed Unbridled's Song mare Queenie's Song, purchased for $200,000 by Cypress Creek LLC from the consignment of Timber Town, agent. The dark bay or brown colt is a half-brother to two winners, including multiple stakes winner Oliviaofthedesert (Bernardini). Hip 273 was bred in Kentucky by Timber Town Stable LLC and Jane Winegardner.
  • Hip 302, a filly by successful young sire Liam's Map out of the winning Indian Charlie mare Recoupe, purchased for $190,000 by West Bloodstock from the consignment of St George Sales, agent. The gray or roan filly stakes-placed winner Compensate. Hip 302 was bred in Kentucky by Westpoint Stables.

"I don't think it was any surprise that there was a lot of demand," added Browning. "We've seen strength in the yearling sales (this year)… We've got a lot of real quality horses still to sell in the next three days, and we're looking forward (to it)."

Overall, 341 yearlings sold for $11,016,900 with 32 yearlings sold for $100,000 or more. Compared to last year's opening session, the gross rose 31.3% from $8,393,800. The average rose 18.8% to $40,208 from $33,846, while the median increased 13.3% to $17,000 from $15,000. The session RNA rate was 19.6%

The Kentucky October Yearlings sale resumes Tuesday at 10 AM. Results are available online.