'Stars aligned' - $450,000 Arrogate filly headlines day three of Fasig-Tipton

The continuation of solid results was seen during day three of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale, headlined by an Arrogate filly selling for $450,000 to Legacy Ranch from the Mill Ridge Sales banner.

"We just loved her; we liked everything about her," Legacy Ranch's Terry Knight said. "She's the one we sat around and waited all day for; fortunately, we got her."

The filly consigned as hip 1152, out of Lemon Splendor, was bred in Kentucky by Gentry Stable. The stakes-winning Lemon Drop Kid mare has produced Mo Maverick, a winner of the Lamplighter Stakes, and the stakes-placed Liam's Light.

"For the ones like that, you have to pay. That was pretty much what we expected to pay, probably didn't want to pay that, but we knew we were going to have to," Knight said. "We were under bidder yesterday on a Tapit that went for $600,000, but we expected to pay this much."

Mill Ridge Sales' Price Bell spoke fondly of the mare and was tickled with the results for his clients.

A yearling awaits their turn at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling SaleCredit: Fasig-Tipton

"This filly came from a wonderful breeder, Gentry Stable, who has allowed us to raise all of Lemon Splendor's babies. His agent, Tom Bozarth, does a great job, and [Gentry] are a great team. Tom picked Lemon Splendor out a few years ago, and we have had great luck with them. She is a lovely mare and one of the tour favourites because she loves carrots."

Bell added: "This was a lovely filly, we had targeted this sale, and when Arrogate came on this year, all the stars aligned. I'm excited for her to go to California; she was very popular and deserved it. A lot of good judges liked her, and we appreciate everyone's support on her. It's gratifying you work hard to bring a nice horse to the sale, and when the judges support and like her, it means a lot."

Fasig-Tipton reported 273 yearlings changed hands of the 336 through the ring on Wednesday for gross receipts of $13,012,600, suitable for an average of $47,665 and a median of $25,000. Sixty-three individuals failed to meet their reserve, representing an RNA rate of 18.7 per cent.

"There was an attenuation of the strong market we've seen during the first two days of the sale, widespread participation from buyers throughout the United States and around the world," Fasig-Tipton president and CEO Boyd Browning, Jr. said. "Quality horses are in great demand, but we're fortunate to be in the midst of a strong and resilient marketplace."

During the third session of the 2021 sale, 302 horses sold of the 347 on offer for gross receipts of $14,534,500, at an average price of $48,127 and a median of $22,000. Forty-five horses failed to meet their reserve, representing an RNA rate of 12.9 per cent.

"So far, it's been great. We have sold some horses very well, there's a lot of people here, and despite the cold weather, there's still a lot of interest." Bell commented.

Cumulatively over the past three sessions, 804 of the 1,017 horses through the ring have sold for gross figures of $41,540,500, establishing an average price of $51,667 and a median of $25,000. Two hundred thirteen yearlings have failed to sell, representing an RNA rate of 20.9 per cent.

At this point, a year ago, 856 yearlings of the 1,026 on offer were sold for gross receipts of $39,511,600 at an average price of $46,158 and a median of $21,000. An RNA rate of 16.5 per cent represents the 170 yearlings who failed to meet their reserve.

Perennial leading consignor Taylor Made Sales Agency came out of day three as leading consignor after selling 22 of their 31 yearlings on offer Wednesday for gross receipts of $1,813,000.

Phil Hager's Taproot Bloodstock made four purchases during session three for gross receipts of $475,000 to be the day's leading buyer.

"We are only bidding on one horse here today. Today was a little slim for us; tomorrow is a new day, and we have a long list then," agent Gayle Van Leer commented. "I think there has been a big carryover from September; it has still been very strong for those select horses that tick all the boxes.

"As the week has progressed into today, it's starting to soften in the middle because many people have bought what they need and want. Now, something has to really hit them between the eyes to go after it; being the end of the yearling sales year, they don't just need a horse anymore."

Browning added: "We anticipate some fireworks tomorrow and some strong highlights. We look forward to a successful conclusion to the October sale tomorrow."

The final session of the October Sale begins at 10am today with hips 1195-1594 scheduled to head through the ring. As of Wednesday evening, 55 yearlings had been withdrawn from the final session.

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