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Record-breaking Curlin colt out of Grade 1 winner tops Fasig-Tipton sale at $775,000

The Curlin colt out of Unbridled Mo sells for a record amount on Monday
The Curlin colt out of Unbridled Mo sells for a record amount on MondayCredit: Fasig-Tipton Photo

Near the end of an unseasonably warm February day, a colt (Hip 395) by Curlin brought excitement to the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky sale pavilion, lighting up the board at a final bid of $775,000 to top the Winter Mixed Sale.

The price is the highest for a short yearling in the sale's history.

Maverick posted the winning bid on the record colt, who is out of Grade 1 winner Unbridled Mo. The colt was offered as part of the dispersal of Red Oak Stable, consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.

The colt was bred by the late Stephen Brunetti's Red Oak Stable. Brunetti, who died in April 2024, also bred the colt's dam. In terms of his racing and breeding operation, Brunetti is also remembered as the breeder and co-owner of three-time Grade 1 winner Mind Control, who stands at Rockridge Stud/Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Venture, near Hudson, New Yotk.

"The last 90 days he really blossomed," said Rick Sacco, manager at Red Oak Farm. "I mean, obviously Curlin is an outstanding stallion, and the mare was a Grade 1 winner. I had a really good feeling that he would sell great. 

“He was showing well; he's got a very big walk and a big hip, and he's a real correct Curlin. We were starting to get excited knowing the players that were involved, that were vetting him, and that were serious."

Unbridled Mo sold just a few hips later as Hip 401, going for $350,000 to West Bloodstock, agent for Repole Stable. 

The millionaire daughter of the late Uncle Mo has seven wins from 12 career starts, with her most notable win coming in the 2018 Apple Blossom Handicap tor trainer Todd Pletcher. Mile Repole, of course, campaigned Uncle Mo and stayed in on the successful sire.

"Unbridled Mo, a Grade 1-winning daughter of Uncle Mo, who's near and dear to Mike's heart," said Jacob West, who signed the ticket on behalf of Repole Stable. 

"We just lost him, and we're obviously massive fans of Uncle Mo. She was trained by Todd Pletcher, and Todd always held her in high regard.

"You saw what her Curlin baby brought. And, she was 12 and she was open, but she's still young enough that she's got some brighter days ahead."

West said no plans have been made for her mating, and would leave that to Eddie Rosen, Repole's adviser, though his recommendation was Into Mischief or Curlin, based on the quality of Hip 395.

Unbridled Mo, dam of the record-breaking colt who sold herself to Mike Repole for $350,000
Unbridled Mo, dam of the record-breaking colt who sold herself to Mike Repole for $350,000Credit: Fasig-Tipton Photo

"I'm a little disappointed in that number," said Sacco on the price for Unbridled Mo. "I think being barren hurt her, and she had a couple years that she wasn't in foal. She is really healthy right now; she's ready to be bred. She's been under lights and she looks great.

"I know Mike Repole bought the horse, and I think they'll do great with her. She's a beautiful mare."

Statistics

A total of 260 horses sold for gross receipts of $11,495,500, including private sales, for an average of $44,213 and a median of $16,000 during the single-session sale. Sixty-two horses failed to meet their reserve, resulting in an RNA rate of 19.3 per cent.

As last year's sale was conducted over two days, comparisons are difficult to make. That sale saw 372 horses sell for $21,687,000, including private sales, for an average of $58,298 and a median of $17,000. The RNA rate was 14.1 per cent, representing the 61 horses who failed to meet their reserve.

Fasig-Tipton president and CEO Boyd Browning Jr thought there was solid interest in some of the less expensive horses offered on Monday.

"The activity today, from start to finish was encouraging," said Browning. "The RNA rate was certainly at an acceptable level. There was activity on some of the less expensive horses, probably a little more than I have seen throughout recent sales. It really kind of exceeded our expectations on the less expensive horses, in terms of activity.

"Same old story, it was great competition for the top-quality offerings. It was nice to see a Japanese buyer make a significant purchase above half a million dollars. We had international participation bidding on several lots as well."

Browning was referencing the $525,000 spent by Shimokobe Farm/Polo Green Stable, agent, to land Forever Dixie, a Grade 3-placed broodmare prospect. The five-year-old daughter of Quality Road was consigned by Grovendale Sales, agent.


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